Understanding Trauma

Trauma encompasses a spectrum of experiences

The landscape of trauma research has undergone significant evolution in the 21st century. From the era of diagnosing war veterans with "shell shock" and prescribing remedies like hypnosis, and dietary changes, we've progressed to a modern discourse where trauma encompasses a spectrum of experiences, from the shock of singular events to the complexities of prolonged relational wounds. This nuanced understanding is crucial for appreciating someone's trauma history.

Big “T” and Small “t” Trauma

Bessel Van Der Klok and Gabor Mate have notably emphasized two broad categories of trauma: big "T" trauma and small "t" trauma. Despite their size-based terminology, both types carry their own degrees of distress and dysfunction.

Big "T" trauma, often synonymous with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), typically involves flashbacks, mood disturbances, and emotional dysregulation stemming from a single traumatic event. While PTSD is recognized in diagnostic manuals, it doesn't fully capture the myriad ways trauma manifests in individuals' lives.

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) expands this understanding, acknowledging small "t" trauma—also termed developmental or relational trauma. CPTSD arises from prolonged, interpersonal trauma, such as chronic childhood abuse or ongoing exposure to violence. Unlike PTSD, CPTSD encompasses a continuum of traumatic experiences over time, leading to disturbances in identity, emotional regulation, and relationships.

Trauma isn’t about what happened to you

Recognizing these distinctions is vital for tailoring effective treatment and healing modalities. Trauma isn't merely about what happened to someone but also how it manifests internally, shaping their present experiences. Approaches like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) aim to reframe traumatic narratives, though they can feel invasive and may inadvertently reinforce trauma's grip.

Foster a relationship of permission and acceptance

Alternatively, trauma-informed practices like compassionate inquiry and somatic treatment approach healing with gentleness and respect for the internal wounds. By fostering a relationship of permission and acceptance, these methods allow individuals to explore trauma's origins and its role in shaping their responses and behaviors.

Empowers individuals to reclaim agency over their narratives

Embracing trauma as part of one's journey fosters radical acceptance and self-compassion. Rather than viewing trauma as a wound to be fixed, this approach encourages transformation and resilience through understanding and integrating one's experiences. It's a paradigm shift that empowers individuals to reclaim agency over their narratives and find strength in their healing journey.

Resources:

Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence - From domestic abuse to political terror. Basic Books.Levine, P. A. (2010). In an unspoken voice: How the body releases trauma and restores goodness. North Atlantic Books.

Maté, G., & Maté, D. (2022). The myth of normal: Trauma, illness, & healing in a toxic culture. Avery, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Penguin Books.