Big T and Small t Trauma: Why Every Experience Matters

Not All Trauma Looks the Same

When people hear the word “trauma,” they often think of major life-altering events — combat, severe accidents, or natural disasters. These are known as Big T traumas.

But there’s another category many people overlook: Small t traumas — the everyday wounds that still shape our emotional world.

Big T Trauma

Big T trauma refers to events that are catastrophic or life-threatening, such as:

• Physical or sexual assault

• Severe accidents or injuries

• Natural disasters

• Witnessing violence

Small t Trauma

Small t traumas may not make headlines, but they still alter the way we feel about ourselves and the world:

• Chronic criticism in childhood

• Feeling invisible in your family or workplace

• Repeated microaggressions

• Ongoing financial stress

Over time, these experiences can compound, leaving you feeling unsafe, unworthy, or hyper-alert.

Why Small t Trauma Matters

Your brain doesn’t categorize trauma by “size” — it responds to the emotional intensity and perceived threat at the time. Small t traumas can be just as impactful on your nervous system as big ones.

How EMDR Supports Healing from Both

EMDR therapy works with your brain’s natural processing ability to:

• Desensitize the emotional charge of memories

• Reframe beliefs about yourself

• Build new, adaptive emotional responses

Your Healing Counts

Whether your pain stems from a single major event or years of smaller hurts, your healing matters. Let’s explore it together — connect on LinkedIn or learn more at my website.