What is Trauma? How is Complex Trauma Different? And how do we heal from trauma?

My entire life was reshaped following a series of traumatic experiences in 2018 and 2019, and since then I’ve dedicated my career to working with fellow survivors. One of the first places to begin in any healing journey is to gather as much information and knowledge as possible, so in this article I’ll demystify the concept of trauma, shedding light on its multifaceted dimensions and the complex interplay between adversity and resilience.

What is Trauma?

At its core, trauma encompasses a broad spectrum of experiences that overwhelm an individual's capacity to cope, leaving lasting psychological and emotional scars. While commonly associated with catastrophic events such as natural disasters and acts of violence, trauma can also arise from highly distressing life events that affect individuals on a personal level. These two main categories of trauma are commonly referred to as Big “T” and little “t.” 

What is Big “T” Trauma?

Big “T” traumas are the events most commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including serious injury, sexual violence, or life-threatening experiences. Threats of serious physical injury, death, or sexual violence can cause intense trauma even if you are never physically harmed. Witnesses to big “T” events or people living and working in close proximity to trauma survivors are also vulnerable to PTSD, especially those who encounter emotional shock on a regular basis, like paramedics, therapists, and police officers.

What is Little “t” Trauma?

Little “t” traumas are highly distressing events that affect individuals on a personal level but don’t fall into the big “T” category. Examples of little “t” trauma include non-life-threatening injuries, emotional abuse, death of a pet, bullying or harassment, and loss of significant relationships. It’s pertinent to note that trauma is inherently subjective, with its impact contingent upon individual vulnerabilities, coping strategies, and support networks. What may constitute a traumatic experience for one person—such as a car accident or sudden loss—may be relatively benign for another, underscoring the deeply personal nature of trauma.

The Difference Between Acute and Chronic Trauma

Trauma can manifest in various forms, each leaving its distinctive imprint on the psyche and soul. Acute trauma, stemming from single, discrete incidents such as accidents or assaults, often elicits immediate shock and distress, followed by a gradual process of recovery and adaptation.

In contrast, chronic trauma unfolds over prolonged periods, permeating the fabric of daily life and eroding the sense of safety and security. Examples include ongoing abuse, neglect, or exposure to community violence, where the cumulative toll of adversity exacts a heavy psychological toll.

Many of the clients I work with have experienced complex trauma, which is characterized by exposure to multiple traumatic events or sustained interpersonal trauma and poses unique challenges, undermining core aspects of identity, attachment, and self-worth. Complex trauma often intersects with developmental trauma, occurring during critical periods of childhood development and profoundly shaping neural pathways and relational patterns.

What is The Impact of Trauma?

Trauma reverberates through every dimension of an individual's life, reshaping perceptions, behaviors, and relationships in its wake. Common symptoms of trauma include intrusive memories, flashbacks, hypervigilance, and avoidance of trauma-related stimuli.

Moreover, trauma can give rise to a host of mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Physiological manifestations of trauma, such as chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, and cardiovascular disease, further underscore the intricate interplay between mind and body.

How to Heal from Trauma

While trauma casts a long shadow, it is not an indelible mark. With compassionate support, evidence-based interventions, and a commitment to self-care, individuals can embark on a journey of healing and transformation.

Trauma-informed therapies that support the process of vertical integration, such as trauma-informed coaching, mindfulness-based therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and somatic experiencing, offer pathways to process and integrate traumatic memories, fostering resilience and empowerment.

Through education, advocacy, and collective action, I’m on a mission to create a community of healing and hope, where the wounds of trauma are acknowledged, honoured, and ultimately transformed into sources of strength and resilience.

With love,

Meg 🕊️🤍