Trauma
Most people think of trauma as something that is really horrific, that someone else has experienced. Most people recognize that having been molested as a child, or having been in a horrible car accident, or finding out a close friend committed suicide is traumatic. These types of trauma are what some psychologists call big “T” trauma. If on the other hand you were exposed to continuous arguing by your parents growing up, or had a few incidences of being called names from other children, these in themselves don’t usually have the same impact as the large “T” trauma when it happens, however over time it can ultimately have a similar impact as the larger trauma. This is what some psychologists call little “t” trauma. Both impact us in negative ways.The first may result in PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), or may leave a negative memory stuck in your brain. The second tends to be more insidious and tends to impact self-esteem and confidence, but can also leave you stuck with negative beliefs.
France Shapiro, a psychologist, who developed EMDR, theorizes that when we are traumatized the experience (memories, feelings, and negative beliefs) get stuck in our brain and we are unable to get resolution from them. Thus, we can re-experience a familiar bad feeling about ourselves if exposed to similar situations.
Examples of Big “T” trauma:
- Sexual Abuse/Molestation
- Rape
- MVA involving threatened real or threatened loss or injury
- Being robbed
- Experiencing a Natural Disaster
- Combat
- Physical/Emotional Abuse
- Invasive Dental Work
- Birthing Experience with unexpected medical intervention or loss
- Told you have a Life Threatening Illness
Examples of Small “t” trauma:
- Not being chosen to play with on the playground or in gym
- Being called names or put down
- Break-up suddenly by significant other/ affair
- Doing something extremely embarrassing publicly
- Parental Neglect
- Not being invited to a Party that includes many friends
- Experiencing a smaller injury that affects confidence
- Making a mistake in front of others and being laughed at
These are just a few possibilities of trauma. The trauma is relevant to an individual’s perception and reaction to the event. What may be small to one person may be large to another.
EMDR is one of the most progressive treatments available today for trauma. If you are ready to begin healing now call Karen at 920-884-1145.
