Psychology is viewed very differently today than it was ten years ago, for example. It’s now very common to know people who see a psychologist, whether it’s a family member or someone else. And it’s interesting, but experts agree that many adult traumas often stem from past actions. Regarding this, psychologist Mariana Cordiviola asserts that “no matter what someone does, who they associate with, or what they read, when someone brings me a problem, the root is always in childhood. You can’t grow a plant with rotten roots. It’s impossible. You always have to start at the root.”
Childhood traumas, such as abuse or a lack of emotional support, can have lasting effects on mental health
According to experts, the roots of this anguish, this inner turmoil, lie not in the present, but in past experiences, particularly during childhood. It is precisely at this point that the intervention of a psychologist can be crucial, helping individuals understand how these traumas influence their present. Addressing these issues is important because childhood traumas, such as abuse, neglect, or even a lack of emotional support, can have lasting effects on mental health. Parents and caregivers not only provide basic necessities but also the emotional framework within which children learn to manage their feelings.
When upbringing lacks healthy qualities, emotional problems can arise in adulthood. It’s important to keep in mind that, as they explain, these events often generate anxiety, insecurities, depression, or trust issues. “If you’re afraid, I always say that the antidote to fear is kisses, animals… In other words, it’s possible: I’m going to take the risk, I’m going to jump in the pool; you have to live,” explains the psychologist. So, although we may seem different, there are ultimately mundane particularities that lead us to have common responses. It’s common for some people to be unaware of how childhood experiences can manifest in their adult lives, so consulting an expert can be very helpful. Someone who can guide and help answer questions like, “Why are you here? To live. It’s terrible when people only start living after receiving a terrifying diagnosis. Live now, from this moment, from this second,” emphasizes Cordiviola.
Support is an essential and necessary step toward change
Childhood is a crucial stage. In those early years, the foundations are laid for how a person sees themselves, how they understand affection, how they manage their emotions, and what they expect from others. It is, ultimately, the construction of personality. Difficulties in relationships, a constant fear of rejection, or an extreme need for validation are examples of how past wounds can influence the present. Repeated experiences, both positive and painful, leave deep scars. Detecting these patterns and seeking psychological support is an essential and necessary step toward change.
Therefore, psychology is a vast world we can explore little by little, even if only out of curiosity. Healing childhood wounds is not a quick process, but with the right support, lasting emotional well-being is possible. There are different phases; therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy help modify negative thought patterns, while psychodynamic psychotherapy explores how past experiences affect the present. The process can help us learn to set boundaries, practice self-care, and empower us to have healthy relationships. Our environment is fundamental to how we perceive life, our daily routines, and ourselves.
The fact is, as experts explain, by putting experiences into words, validating old emotions, and acknowledging unmet needs, people begin to build a more compassionate relationship with themselves. And, as experts reaffirm, psychotherapy is a powerful tool for healing childhood emotional wounds. This process doesn’t involve remaining stuck in the past, but rather understanding it in order to transform it and move forward, seeing life from a healthier perspective. Furthermore, techniques such as mindfulness and attachment therapy offer new perspectives on how to manage emotions. The idea is that each person finds their own particular way of managing their emotions so they can live their daily life without emotional suffering. That would be the ultimate goal.