Trauma doesn’t always come from one dramatic, life-threatening event. It can also build slowly over time, through painful experiences that may seem “smaller” on the surface but still leave lasting emotional scars. Both types of trauma are valid, and both can be addressed in therapy.
- “Big T” Trauma: Major life events such as abuse, violence, accidents, combat, or natural disasters. These experiences can trigger intense responses, including PTSD, anxiety, hypervigilance, and depression.
- “Little t” Trauma: Experiences like emotional neglect, ongoing criticism, painful breakups, job loss, or chronic stress. These may not be life-threatening, but they can be just as damaging over time, leaving you with low self-esteem, difficulties sleeping, or ongoing anxiety and sadness.
Multiple “little t” traumas can take just as much of a toll as one major trauma. What feels traumatic to you is valid, regardless of how it appears from the outside.
Big “T” vs. Little “t” Traumas
Big “T”
Events that overwhelm your sense of safety and may lead to PTSD.
- Physical or sexual abuse or assault
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Combat or war exposure
- Severe accidents (car crash, workplace injury, etc.)
- Natural disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes, floods)
- Witnessing a violent death or serious injury
- Medical trauma (life-threatening illness, emergency surgery, ICU stays)
Little “t”
Not always life-threatening, but still deeply painful and disruptive over time.
- Emotional neglect or lack of support from caregivers
- Chronic stress from work, caregiving, or finances
- Ongoing criticism, bullying, or shaming
- Painful breakups, divorce, or relationship betrayal
- Job loss or long-term unemployment
- Social isolation or rejection
- Relational conflict in a family or marriage
- Living with long-term uncertainty (illness of a loved one, unstable housing, etc.)
Looking for trauma therapy? Reach out today »
Dr. Lauren Wecker is a clinical psychologist based in Las Vegas, Nevada. She provided evidence-based therapy to help with anxiety, depression, trauma and addiction.
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