There are many different types of experiences that may be considered traumatic. The current definition of a traumatic event relies on the individual's experience/perception of the event rather than the specifics of the event itself. Some, known as "Big T" traumas, are the types of events that typically come to mind when someone brings up the topic of trauma. These tend to be one-time events more easily identified as extreme or unexpected overwhelming experiences. "Small t" traumas are also overwhelming, but are often overlooked when identifying traumatic experiences. What's important to remember about the types of trauma is that all experiences are subjective, meaning what might be traumatic to one person may not be traumatic to another. And, based on many personal factors, "Small T" traumas may cause more lasting impact than "Big T" traumas if not treated appropriately.
All Worth It therapists are trained in a specialized trauma treatment called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which addresses both "Big T" and "Small t" traumas to help soothe the nervous system and integrate these overwhelming experiences. This helps clients to regain the sense of safety and well-being often damaged by traumatic experiences.