What is Trauma? 

Defining trauma is challenging due to its subjective nature and varied impact on individuals. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) defines a traumatic event as "a frightening, dangerous, or violent event that poses a threat to a child's life or bodily integrity." While this definition provides a starting point, the experience of what constitutes a "life-threatening" event can look differently for everyone.

This variability arises from several factors, such as an individual's environment, age, and personality (i.e. anxiously wired or deeply feeling kiddos), which all influence their perception of threat. It also depends on what happens after the traumatic event. For example, it someone is in a state of fight, flight, freeze and they are alone or isolated, left invalidated (i.e. “it’s no big deal” or “just get over it)” may experience trauma differently than those who receive validation, access safe spaces, and have opportunities for processing and relationship repair.

Therapists often distinguish between "Big T" and "Little t" traumas. "Big T" traumas encompass significant events such as accidents, abuse, natural disasters, and chronic bullying. “Little Ts” are just as important! They are events that might seem more “everyday” stressors that may be overlooked, like being laughed at in the lunch room, social exclusion, performance pressure.