Trauma

Trauma is a deeply personal experience. There is no universal definition of what is or isn’t traumatic, and the impact of an experience cannot always be understood by looking at the event itself. What overwhelms one person may not affect another in the same way. We often use different categories to describe the circumstances surrounding trauma, but what makes an experience traumatic is ultimately shaped by how it was experienced, the meaning it held for you, and the impact it had on your sense of safety, wellbeing, and ability to cope. 

There are several ways trauma is commonly understood and described, depending on the circumstances in which it occurs. 

Acute Trauma
A single overwhelming experience—such as an accident, assault, sudden loss, or disaster—can leave you feeling shaken long after it’s over. You may feel on edge, have trouble sleeping, experience intrusive memories, or simply feel unlike yourself.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Sometimes, the effects of trauma don’t fade with time. You may find yourself reliving what happened, avoiding reminders, feeling constantly on guard, or struggling with changes in your mood, thoughts, and sense of safety.

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
When trauma happens repeatedly or over a long period of time, its impact can reach beyond individual memories. You may struggle with emotional regulation, self-worth, identity, trust, relationships, or feeling safe—even when the danger has passed.

Childhood & Developmental Trauma
Early experiences of abuse, neglect, instability, violence, or inconsistent emotional support can leave lasting impressions. They can influence how you understand yourself, connect with others, manage emotions, and experience safety as you grow.

Relational Trauma
Sometimes, the people or relationships we depend on for safety are where we experience hurt. Betrayal, abandonment, abuse, manipulation, or having your needs repeatedly dismissed can affect your ability to trust, set boundaries, or feel secure in relationships.

Vicarious Trauma
You don’t have to experience trauma firsthand for it to affect you. Repeatedly hearing about or witnessing others’ suffering—particularly through caregiving or professional roles—can gradually change how you see the world, your sense of safety, and your ability to leave difficult experiences behind.

• Understand how past experiences may be affecting you today
• Recognize triggers, patterns, and trauma responses
• Build safety, stability, and nervous system regulation
• Develop healthier ways of coping
• Process difficult experiences at a pace that feels manageable
• Use approaches such as EMDR to help reprocess distressing memories and reduce their emotional impact
• Explore beliefs about yourself that developed through difficult experiences
• Strengthen boundaries, relationships, and self-worth
• Reduce avoidance of situations or reminders of the trauma
• Feel more grounded, connected, and in control