Trauma is the result of a terrible event impacting our nervous system. There are also different types of trauma: single-episode, developmental, complex, post-traumatic stress, generational, and spiritual, just to name a few.

Just as a short summary, here is how I define different types of trauma:

Single Event: a one time event, such as a car accident.

Developmental Trauma: impacts the development of a child, this can be due to missed developmental needs being met and/or events that get in the way of developing.

Complex Trauma: is repeated long term exposure to multiple events, typically during childhood.

Generational Trauma: the passing of trauma from one generation to another due to epigenetics.

Spiritual Trauma: threatening experiences that happen within a religious or spiritual context.

Sports Trauma: an injury or event that happens while playing competitive sports.

In short all of them have these common symptoms despite the origins: re-experiencing the event such as flashbacks, avoiding the location or sensory reminders of the event, numbing the emotional pain of the trauma, and hyperarousal.

Often what makes a terrible event traumatic is how soon after the event that we can find safety and connection to soothe and validate our nervous system. In short, it isn't the event itself, but the response to the event.

I believe healing is aways possible, and that trauma can be transformed into growth, some of the characteristics of post traumatic growth: new healthy relationships, new possibilities, personal strength, spiritual change, and appreciation for life.

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