Childhood trauma encompasses painful or harmful experiences that happen before the age of 18. This can include physical or emotional abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, witnessing domestic violence, or growing up in a home affected by mental illness or substance use. These early experiences can influence how a person sees themselves and interacts with the world, often appearing later as anxiety, trust challenges, or difficulty regulating emotions. Therapy can help process these experiences and guide individuals toward emotional healing and resilience.