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What is the definition of Trauma?

Trauma is any experience that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope, leaving them feeling helpless, fearful, or deeply unsafe, either physically or emotionally. It can be caused by a one-time event (like an accident or assault) or ongoing situations (like abuse, neglect, or witnessing domestic violence). What makes it traumatic isn't just what happened, but how it impacted your sense of safety, control, or connection to others.

What type of Trauma is impacting you?

There are various categories of Trauma. Since each type impacts a person differently, specialized therapy approaches have been developed to meet your unique needs to heal from your Trauma.

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Acute Trauma

Acute trauma results from a one-time, sudden, life-threatening event (e.g., accident, assault).

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Common impacts on daily functioning:

  • Intrusive memories or flashbacks of the event

  • Nightmares or sleep difficulties

  • Hypervigilance or being easily startled

  • Avoidance of reminders (e.g., people, places, conversations)

  • Strong feelings (e.g., anxiety, sadness, anger)

Suggested Trauma Therapy:

Complex Trauma

Complex trauma is exposure to multiple traumatic events, often early in life, such as abuse, neglect, and unstable caregiving.

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Common impacts on daily functioning:

  • Shame or negative self-image

  • Intense emotional states

  • Deep fear of abandonment or difficulty in relationships

  • Self-harm, substance use, or other unhealthy behaviors

  • Dissociation and memory gaps related to trauma

Suggested Trauma Therapy:

Chronic Trauma

Chronic trauma occurs from repeated and prolonged exposure to distressing events, such as domestic violence or ongoing bullying.

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Common impacts on daily functioning:

  • Ongoing anxiety or depression

  • Emotional numbness or detachment

  • Difficulty trusting others

  • Chronic stress responses (e.g., stomach aches, tension)

  • Dissociation

  • Trouble concentrating or feeling "on edge" all the time

Suggested Trauma Therapy:

Developmental Trauma

Developmental trauma happens during key stages of childhood development and often involves disrupted attachment or neglect. It interferes with brain and emotional development, affecting how a person trusts, copes, and relate to others.

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Common impacts on daily functioning:

  • Difficulty forming healthy attachments or trusting adults

  • Poor impulse control or frequent emotional outbursts

  • Problems with learning or attention

  • Heightened sensitivity to perceived rejection or failure

  • Low self-worth or learned helplessness

Suggested Trauma Therapy:

Secondary Trauma

(Vicarious)

Exposure to others’ Trauma (e.g., therapists, first responders, caregivers). It’s distinct in that the person hasn't lived the Trauma themselves but absorbs its emotional impact through someone else’s story.

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Common impacts on daily functioning:

  • Emotional exhaustion or burnout

  • Cynicism or detachment from work or people

  • Difficulty sleeping or relaxing

  • Feeling overly responsible or helpless

  • Flashbacks or vivid images of others people's Trauma

  • Loss of empathy or feeling numb

Suggested Trauma Therapy:

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