You may have heard the word trauma associated with a negative life event. It has become a pop culture slang that gets used often for unpleasant events; however, trauma is a serious experience that can have lasting negative impacts. Trauma can result from a variety of negative life events that have caused emotional and physical harm to someone. For some, a trauma may be a single extreme event that was life-threatening or altering. For others, trauma may be smaller, multiple events over time. We can differentiate these types of traumas as "Big T" and "little t".

What Is ‘Big T’ Trauma?

"Big T" trauma can be defined as an event that is life-threatening or deeply distressing. These events are perceived as more serious and intense, and possibly less likely to occur, such as a major accident. The event may be more definable and obviously distressing. The intensity of this type of traumatic experience often elicits responses in the body known as trauma symptoms.

What Is ‘Little t’ Trauma?

"Little t" trauma refers to what are perceived to be less extreme events that may not be as obvious but still cause a negative and distressing response. Examples may include bullying and emotional neglect. Over time, these events can impact a person's ability to regulate emotions and trust others.

Can the same event be traumatic for one person and not another?

It is possible for someone to go through a similar event and experience it differently. Something traumatic for one person may not be for another. For example, someone who has been bullied in elementary school may think back on it as a part of growing up, whereas someone else may have internalized the experience and have a difficult time making friends, receiving criticism, and standing up for themselves.

Culture, race, sexuality, religion, and socioeconomic status often impact people's perception of what is traumatic. How socially valid "Big T" and "little t" traumas are perceived in a social context also impacts people's experiences of events. "Big T" traumas may be more "socially" understood and validated, whereas "little t" trauma may be ignored. "Big T" trauma may receive immediate support mentally and physically, whereas "little t" traumas may go unrecognized for years.

The Impact Is Valid, Whatever the Source

Regardless of whether you have experienced a "Big T" or "little t" trauma, the impact is valid and can cause overlapping emotional and physical responses. Both traumas impact how the brain and body respond to perceived and real threats. These reactions can show up through:

• Emotion dysregulation, anxiety, isolation, and avoidance
• Difficulty in relationships (SEO: internal link candidate if a relationships or attachment page exists)
• More serious symptoms such as dissociation, flashbacks, and nightmares

All of these experiences can create difficulty coping with daily activities.

Trauma-Informed Therapy: Finding the Right Support

Understanding different perceptions of trauma may help to validate and label the experiences you have gone through in life. If you are having difficulty coping, it is important to seek the right type of support.

Trauma-informed care is receiving a professional service through the lens of trauma. This means the clinician you engage with has an understanding of how trauma impacts a person and can build a sense of safety for you.

There are a variety of trauma therapies, including:

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Trauma-informed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

If you are interested in working on trauma in therapy, doing research and having consultations with clinicians is a good step to understand more about the modalities that will be the best fit for you.

Interested in starting trauma therapy?

If you're interested in navigating your experience of trauma — whether you're just starting to name it or you've been carrying it for a long time — working with a clinician who specializes in this area can make a real difference.

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