Small ‘t’ versus Big ‘T’ Trauma

Any distressing event that is beyond the normal human experience can be considered traumatic. With that definition in mind, trauma is more diverse, and common than many people may think.

Generally, when thinking about trauma, the common associations are people who have gone to war/ have been exposed to combat, those who have experienced natural disasters, or those who have survived physical or sexual abuse. Although these are all accurate examples of trauma, a person does not have to experience such overtly distressing events to be affected by trauma. There are smaller, everyday events that can also be considered traumatic to individuals. In fact, it is these such events that influence couples and individuals to seek psychotherapy. To better understand this idea, trauma can be broken down into two different types; Big ‘T’ Trauma and small ‘t’ trauma.

Big ‘T’ Trauma are those traumatic events most directly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as life-threatening experiences, serious injury, or sexual violence. These types of events leave the individual with a sense of powerlessness in their environment. This feeling of powerlessness leads to avoidance of any triggers that may make that individual relive the traumatic event. These avoidance behaviors are attempting to hide the distress with the belief that not addressing what has happened will erase the emotional pain.

Small ‘t’ trauma are those events, we may not even consider to be traumatic at first. These are distressing events that surpass our capacity to cope and therefore cause a disruption in emotional functioning. This type of trauma affects the individual in a personal manner as there are notable feelings of helplessness associated with these types of events. Some common examples are: conflict with significant other or children, infidelity, divorce, emotional abuse, death of a pet, bullying or harassment, conflict with supervisor/boss, relocation, planning a wedding, starting a new job, having or adopting a child, financial worries or difficulty and loss of a significant relationship.

While one of these events may not lead to any significant distress, multiple small ‘t’ traumas, especially over a short period of time are more likely to develop an increase in distress and difficulty in emotional functioning.

The majority of the human population have experienced at least one, if not more of these common small ‘t’ traumas. Unfortunately, these events are typically rationalized as nothing more than a common experience that should not have such an intense reaction, however that is simply not true. Every individual is different with their own unique capacities to handle stress – otherwise known as resilience, which impacts their ability to cope with trauma. Therefore, what is extremely distressing to one person, may not be distressing at all to someone else. The important factor is how such an event affects the individual, rather than focusing on the specific event itself.

If you or someone you know has endured small ‘t’ traumas or Large ‘T’ Trauma, there are treatments available that can help. Trauma-
focused therapy includes evidenced-based treatments such as prolonged-exposure and cognitive-processing therapy. These treatment techniques aim to decrease trauma symptoms and distress, to increase quality of life. Always remember, “the best way out is always through.”

Lotus Living Therapy
239-360-2131
www.lotuslivingtherapy.com
501 N Goodlette Frank Rd. Ste C210
Naples, FL 34102

Jessica Yarab, LCSW

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), my passion is helping people live their life to the fullest! Challenges, transitions and stressors are inevitable in this world, but I strive to use my education and experience to help adolescents, young and older adults live joy-filled lives, regardless of circumstances.

With a diverse background, I am well versed in a wide range of areas of clinical interest; including substance abuse, mood disorders, self-esteem/body imagine, anger management, grief and loss. This versatility is at the core of my work ethic as a Social Worker; helping as many people as I can with whatever obstacles life is putting in front of them.

My approach to clinical work is holistic, solution-focused and direct. I believe in addressing all aspects of a person’s life – physical, spiritual, environmental, as well as psychological to enhance positive outcomes.

My goal is to always work with my clients to identify the tools and insights that enable them to live abundantly outside the therapy room. I am committed to employing the most effective treatment strategies to best support my clients so they can create healthier lives each and every day.

– Bachelor of Science University of Tampa, Tampa, FL (2012)
– Master of Social Work (MSW) Youngstown State University, Youngstown, OH (2015)
– Licensed Clinical Social Worker Florida

Therapeutic Techniques
-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
-Solution Focused Therapy
-Strengths Perspective
-Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy