Trauma can leave us feeling confused, overwhelmed, or shut down. But what actually counts as trauma? The truth is, trauma looks different for everyone. At Ember Light Counseling, we define it as any experience that overwhelms your ability to cope or make sense of what’s happening at the time.
You don’t need to have lived through a disaster to be traumatized. Trauma can be the result of major events or everyday experiences that hit in deeply personal ways. And no matter what you’ve gone through, healing is possible.
Understanding Trauma: Big “T” and Little “t”
Some events are clearly traumatic. These are often called Big T traumas and include things like physical or sexual assault, major accidents, natural disasters, or combat.
But there are also Little t traumas, painful experiences like a devastating breakup, being fired, chronic family conflict, or emotional neglect. These might not sound severe to everyone, but they can deeply affect how you see yourself, others, and the world.
Whether it’s a big “T” or little “t” trauma, if it leaves you feeling unsafe, stuck, or shattered it counts.
How Trauma Shows Up in Your Life
Trauma doesn’t always announce itself. You may just feel “off,” disconnected, or constantly on edge. Common signs include:
- Avoidance — steering clear of reminders of the event, or using distractions like overworking, overeating, or scrolling endlessly just to numb out
- Hypervigilance — being on constant high alert, feeling anxious, jumpy, or like you’re waiting for something bad to happen
- Emotional numbing — feeling flat, shut down, or like you’re going through the motions
- Difficulty focusing — struggling to concentrate, stay present, or keep up with work and relationships
It’s also common to notice changes in sleep, appetite, or mood. You may feel ashamed, disconnected from others, or like you’re no longer the person you used to be.
How Trauma Changes Your Perspective
One of the hardest parts of trauma is how it changes the way you see the world. You might feel like nowhere is safe, or that people can’t be trusted. You may even turn those thoughts inward, blaming yourself or feeling broken.
These beliefs aren’t the truth. They’re a reflection of how trauma affects your brain and nervous system. And with the right support, they can absolutely be shifted.
Trauma-Informed Therapy Can Help
Trauma doesn’t have to define your future. Therapy creates space to process what happened in a way that’s safe and empowering. At Ember Light Counseling, we work with you to gently unpack your story, reconnect with yourself, and move forward with tools that actually help.
We also offer EMDR therapy, a specialized approach that helps the brain reprocess distressing or traumatic memories so they feel less overwhelming and more manageable. EMDR doesn’t require you to talk through every detail — it works with your brain’s natural ability to heal.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Sharon Christopher at Ember Light Counseling to learn more about how trauma therapy can support you. You don’t have to carry this alone.