Healing Through Childhood Trauma

At MindLeo, our vision is to break the stigma around mental well-being and create a space where everyone feels safe to share, heal, and grow. Professional psychological support should be accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance. Guided by this belief, I continue to witness the possible transformation when individuals feel seen, heard, and supported.

One of the most meaningful aspects of my work is helping people heal from the wounds of childhood trauma, especially when that trauma is tied to their relationships with parents or caregivers. The pain often runs deep, showing up in their adult lives as anxiety, fear of abandonment, or trouble with trust. These patterns are not always visible at first, but they emerge gently as trust is built in therapy.

In one of my sessions, a client shared how witnessing a parent’s extramarital affair as a child left them feeling betrayed and unsafe. Over the years, that wound shaped how they related to others, especially in intimate relationships. Through cognitive-behavioural therapy and mindfulness practices, we worked together to gently untangle those feelings and rebuild a sense of safety. With time and reflection, they began to reconnect with parts of themselves that had been shut down for years.

In another case, a client had experienced the loss of a parent at a very young age. The absence created a quiet fear that the people they loved would always leave. This fear surfaced in their adult relationships as control and emotional distance. We used narrative therapy to explore and honour the memory of the parent they lost, while building a new foundation of trust through gratitude exercises with their partner. It was powerful to see how small daily practices could shift long-standing patterns.

Our mission at MindLeo is rooted in innovation, compassion, and sustainable well-being. By using creative approaches in therapy and making mental health care more personal and adaptable, we aim to be a trusted support system in people’s healing journeys. Just as we care for our environment and uphold safety and quality in every action we take, we bring that same care and intention into every therapy session.

As I reflect on these experiences, I’m reminded of the courage it takes to confront the past and the hope that drives people to seek change. Each story, each step forward, is a reminder that healing is possible—and that no one has to walk that path alone.

Published by MindLeo Counselling and Retreat Centre

Consultant Psychologist: Shilphy Francis