Understanding Trauma: Big T vs Little t

Trauma is a complex and multifaceted experience that can have profound effects on an individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

When I began my journey of healing past trauma I had no idea the extent of trauma I was holding in my body. For much of my adolescence I was struggling with depression, anxiety and struggling to speak and connect with others.

I was stuck in the freeze response, when anyone would speak to me, I would completely freeze up. People just thought I was “shy” and whilst this partly the case, it wasn’t the whole story by a long shot!

When I set out on this journey to discover what was “wrong” with me, I never imagined this is where it would lead me… To a life where I teach about trauma and support others to healing and integrate their past trauma, uncover what has been buried within (often for YEARS!), feel the unfelt and reconnect to their true self beneath all of the “stuff” they have accumulated over the years.

This work is truly life changing, I have experienced it for myself again and again and witnessed it in the thousands of people I have worked with over the last few years.

Today I want to dive into the two types of trauma: big "T" trauma and little "t" trauma as well as the implications of these two types of trauma, shedding light on how they can affect our lives.

Big "T" Trauma:

Big "T" trauma refers to significant and highly distressing events that are often perceived as life-threatening or involve a severe violation of personal boundaries. These traumatic experiences typically have a sudden and overwhelming impact, leaving deep emotional scars.

Examples of big "T" traumas include natural disasters, physical or sexual abuse, combat exposure, major accidents, acts of terrorism, or the sudden loss of a loved one.

The effects of big "T" trauma can be far-reaching, encompassing various aspects of an individual's life. People who have experienced such trauma may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other anxiety disorders, manifesting symptoms like intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, hyper-vigilance, and emotional numbness.

Additionally, survivors of big "T" trauma might struggle with trust issues, have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, or experience profound disruptions in their daily functioning.

Little "t" Trauma:

While big "T" trauma involves overtly dramatic events, little "t" trauma refers to the accumulation of repeated, less obvious distressing experiences over time. These experiences may not individually reach the magnitude of big "T" traumas, but their cumulative impact can still be significant.

Examples of little "t" traumas include ongoing emotional abuse, neglect, bullying, chronic illness, divorce, constant criticism, or witnessing domestic violence.

Little "t" traumas can undermine an individual's sense of safety, security, and well-being. They may erode self-esteem, cause chronic stress, and contribute to the development of anxiety, depression, or other psychological difficulties.

Individuals who have experienced little "t" trauma might struggle with self-worth, have difficulties with emotional regulation, experience difficulties with trust, or exhibit maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as avoidance or self-sabotage.

It is important to note that the distinction between big "T" and little "t" traumas is not always clear-cut.

Traumatic experiences exist on a spectrum, and what may be considered little "t" trauma for one person could be experienced as big "T" trauma for another, based on their individual vulnerabilities, resilience, and support systems.

Additionally, a person's interpretation of an event and their subjective emotional experience play a significant role in how they are affected by trauma.

When I discovered these two types of trauma and specifically how deeply little t trauma can affect us, I was absolutely SHOCKED and it was truly a revelation for me and was such a relief to discover there was nothing “wrong” with me after all.. I was simply bottling up years of little t trauma that were having major affects on mind, body and soul.

Through breathwork and somatic experiencing, as well as working with incredible mentors, teachers and trauma-informed coaches I have integrated so many of the layers that were causing the depression and anxiety I was experiencing

I have released limiting beliefs that prevented me from having the relationships I truly desired, feeling connected, loved, value and like I truly belong

I found my voice and have been able to have beautiful conversations and connections with other amazing humans

And I discovered my purpose, my mission, the work that LIGHTS ME UP where I get to help others and have a positive impact in the world. I feel so incredibly blessed.

But it wasn’t easy getting here…

The best decision I made was investing in myself and getting the support I needed. I stopped trying to do it all on my own and I allowed myself to receive support from mentors and coaches. This truly changed my life!

It’s also why I love what I do so much, I know from personal experience just how powerful having this kind of support is.

If you resonate with this post and want to explore your next steps on this journey, reach out

For more support, check out my podcast - The Good Girl Unleashed

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