Children's brains are still developing, and as a result, trauma has a much broader influence on themselves, the world, and their ability to regulate themselves. The Outcomes of a Traumatic Event Children suffering from symptoms of trauma have difficulty coping and therefore cannot regulate their behaviors and emotions. They may be clingy and afraid of new situations, easily frightened, difficult to comfort, and/or aggressive and impulsive. They may also have difficulty sleeping, learning developmental skills, and functioning and behaving (NCTSN, 2014). Children who exhibit problematic outcomes following trauma such as abuse, neglect, death of loved ones, or other traumatic experiences may receive a variety of diagnoses (APA, 2000). To better understand the impact of traumatic experiences, it is important to learn more about the roots of trauma-related problems and the adaptive responses to threats that arise during traumatic experiences. Trauma can be classified into two categories: Type 1 or Type II. Type 1 trauma is an unexpected stressor with detailed memories. Type II trauma is old and includes dissociation. We should not suggest that trauma should be discounted or assumed when considering that the outcomes of a traumatic event may fall on a continuum for some children (Sweeney, 2001). The most popular response to threat is the fight or flight response. Sometimes, when fight or flight is not possible, the child uses dissociative flight mechanisms. Dissociation is a mental mechanism when one focuses on the inner world and withdraws from the outer world. People use dissociative mental mechanisms, like daydreaming, all the time. Children confronted with trauma react with mechanisms of hyperarousal and dissociation. From...... middle of paper ......puppet, noticing that the puppet is sad. The therapist should ask the child for help in comforting the puppet. The puppet will then become a sign of safety for the child throughout the therapy. Another way to use puppets is to make them present a specific feeling. A therapist may enlist the child's help in finding ways to solve the puppet's problems. This way, the feelings are projected onto the puppet while the child can still apply them to themselves. Children suffering from symptoms of trauma have difficulty coping and therefore cannot regulate their behaviors and emotions. Through play therapy, children have the opportunity to express themselves. By providing children who have experienced a traumatic event with an appropriate environment, the child also has the opportunity to process their feelings safely, in a familiar, non-threatening way...