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Writer's pictureBecky_Romero

Reflections on Childhood Trauma, Attachment Wounds, and Healing: Insights inspired by Molly Wright’s TED Talk



I watched Molly Wright’s TED Talk for the first time today, after seeing it posted on Instagram. This video was unexpected yet profoundly moving. As I listened to 7-year-old Molly speak, I felt an intense wave of emotion. When she said, “What if a whole childhood was like that last 30 seconds? How hard would it be for a child to feel calm, to feel safe, to learn to trust anyone…and the lifelong impact it would have…that makes me feel sad,” my eyes flooded with tears.


This sadness wasn’t just for my own experiences or those of my clients but for anyone who has been impacted by parental neglect or childhood trauma. It’s not about blaming parents—many do the best they can with the resources they have. However, sometimes even their best doesn’t fulfill all the emotional needs of a growing child. This reality has a lasting impact, shaping who we are, how we see ourselves, and how we connect with others.


The Lingering Effects of Childhood Experiences on Adults


In my work with adults, roughly 90% are affected by some form of childhood trauma or neglect. The result is often attachment wounds—painful experiences of disconnection that follow us into adulthood and make it difficult to trust, to connect, and to feel worthy of love. And many people don’t even realize the extent of these impacts on their lives until they start therapy. These attachment wounds show up in subtle yet profound ways, affecting personality development, communication, and mental health.


The wounds left by neglect or trauma often make it challenging to feel secure in relationships. They manifest as a fear of abandonment, heightened sensitivity to rejection, or a belief that our emotions are burdensome to others. For some, it’s a lack of safety or an inability to feel calm, even when surrounded by people who care about them. These wounds can also bring about self-doubt, making decisions difficult, or lead to challenges in trusting others. For others, they appear as a struggle with intimacy, difficulty regulating emotions, or an inability to set healthy boundaries.


Attachment Wounds and the Ripple Effect on Relationships


These invisible wounds don’t just disappear—they shape our interactions and responses. Someone with attachment wounds may find themselves feeling a persistent need for validation, fearing conflict, or struggling with feelings of shame and self-blame. They might feel unworthy or unlovable, even in the face of evidence to the contrary. For many, these beliefs and responses impact not only how they connect with loved ones but also how they see themselves and move through the world.


The Power of Therapy and the Path to Healing


Working with people impacted by childhood trauma and attachment wounds is a privilege that I don’t take lightly. Molly Wright’s words reminded me of just how important this work is. Therapy provides a safe space to uncover and explore these wounds, helping people understand how their childhood experiences shaped them and offering tools to rebuild a sense of safety and trust. It’s a place to process and release emotions, learn self-compassion, and rewrite the narrative that has, for too long, limited their ability to feel whole.

This work can be challenging, and healing takes time. But it’s possible. I witness my clients gradually learning to trust themselves and others, finding their voice, and building healthier, more secure relationships.


Final Thoughts


Molly’s TED Talk was a reminder of the significance of every single interaction in a child’s life and the lifelong impact it can have. My hope is to help my clients reclaim a sense of safety, connection, and self-worth. This is the heart of my work and the reason why I’m so passionate about creating a space for healing—a space where, finally, they can feel seen, heard, and valued.

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