What is Trauma?

Our nervous system and bodies are incredibly intelligent, always working to protect us. A big part of this protection comes from our autonomic nervous system, which not only regulates essential functions like digestion and heart rate but also acts as a protector, constantly responding to our life experiences.

When we encounter overwhelming stressors or traumatic experiences, our nervous system activates survival mechanisms to shield us from harm. However, when these protective responses become “stuck,” they can keep us trapped in cycles of distress, leaving lasting imprints in the body and contributing to chronic anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and even physical health issues (i.e. fibromyalgia, autoimmune disorders, or digestive issues).

Big T Trauma vs. Little t Trauma:

Trauma is often associated to major life-threatening events like the sudden loss of a loved one, a devastating natural disaster or accident, or being in combat or war. However, it's important to recognize that trauma manifests in various forms and magnitudes. While these major events certainly constitute trauma known as “Big T Traumas”, seemingly “minor” events can also have a profound impact, known as “Little t Traumas”.

Big T Traumas significantly overwhelm a person’s ability to cope.Some examples of Big T Traumas are:

• Sexual Assault or Abuse

• Intimate Partner Violence (Physical, Emotional, or Sexual)

• Serious Accidents or Life-Threatening Injuries

• Natural Disasters

• Combat or War

Trauma doesn’t always come from a single catastrophic event. Little t Trauma refers to chronic stressors or repeated experiences that, while not immediately life-threatening, can have profound emotional and psychological effects over time. These are examples of Little t Traumas that may go unnoticed:

• Emotional or Mental Abuse in a relationship

• Growing up with Neglect or an Emotional Unavailable Caregiver

• Repeated experiences of Bullying

• Feeling unloved or unseen during childhood

• Living in a high-conflict or toxic family environment

• Having a parent who expected perfection

• Experiencing ongoing criticism, shame, or rejection

• Repeated exposure to toxic or emotionally abusive relationships

Even if an experience doesn’t seem like a Big T Trauma, repeated or unresolved emotional wounds can deeply affect self-worth, relationships, and how we view the world. This accumulation of traumas is sometimes known as Chronic Trauma or Complex Trauma (C-PTSD).

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

PTSD arises when a person remains stuck in a survival state after experiencing a traumatic event. The nervous system is unable to fully process the trauma, leaving the body in fight, flight, freeze, or fawn long after the danger has passed.

Symptoms of PTSD can include:

• Hypervigilance and feeling constantly on edge

• Intrusive flashbacks or nightmares

• Emotional numbing or Dissociation

• Avoidance of people, places, or situations linked to the trauma

• Intense shame, guilt, or negative self-beliefs

• Difficulty trusting others or maintaining relationships

Many survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, or emotionally abusive relationships experiences PTSD symptoms that make it difficult to feel safe, trust themselves, or navigate relationships without fear.

The good news is that PTSD is treatable, and the body and mind have the capacity to heal with the right support.

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD):

C-PTSD develops when someone endures repeated trauma over time, often within relationships that should have been safe—such as childhood neglect, domestic violence, or chronic emotional abuse.

Unlike PTSD, which is often manifested by a single event, C-PTSD results from prolonged exposure to trauma, leading to deeper struggles with self-worth, attachment, and emotional regulation.

C-PTSD results from many experiences, but some examples are:

• Child Abuse or Neglect/Abandonment

• Being in an Abusive Relationship (physical, emotional, sexual)

• Surviving repeated Sexual Assault or Coercion

• Having to witness Ongoing Abuse or Violence

• Repeated exposure to disaster, accidents, deaths or violence

• Long-term exposure to bullying

Because C-PTSD is often relational, survivors may struggle with:

• Difficulty setting boundaries

• Fear of abandonment or rejection

• Feeling unworthy of love or safety

• A strong inner critic or deep shame

  Healing from Trauma

Healing from trauma isn’t just about talking through what happened—it’s about reconnecting with yourself in a way that feels safe and supportive. While sharing your story can be helpful, diving too quickly into painful memories or experiences without the right tools can sometimes be re-traumatizing. That’s why trauma healing requires a slow, intentional, and body-centered approach that helps regulate the nervous system before processing deep emotional wounds.

Trauma is stored in both the mind and body, which is why traditional talk therapy alone may not always be enough. Our bodies hold so much wisdom and intelligence in the way they help us survive painful life experiences. By integrating somatic (mind-body) therapies like EMDR, Brainspotting, and Somatic Experiencing, we can gently release stored trauma, shift survival patterns, and create new neural pathways for healing.

The most important part of this process is going at your own pace. I am here to help create a space of safety, trust, and attunement where we can work together to restore a sense of connection, empowerment, and self-trust. Healing is not about reliving the past—it’s about reclaiming your sense of self and creating the life you deserve.