Trauma is often categorized as Big T Trauma or Little T Trauma.  Big T Trauma represents major life events (the death of a parent, a parent going to prison, etc..,) physical or sexual abuse or assault, disasters that cause severe distress, accidents.

Little T Trauma is described as the chronic stressors such as bullying or criticism that impact one’s self-esteem, self-worth, and damage mental health. Trauma can lead to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and addiction.

PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying or traumatic event. While many people experience trauma in life, not all develop PTSD. It’s considered a chronic and sometimes debilitating condition when it persists and interferes with daily life.

Diagnosis is typically made by a mental health professional using:

  • Clinical Interviews: Based on criteria in the DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
  • Self-Report Questionnaires: Such as the PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5-TR).
  • Symptom Duration & Impact: Symptoms must last more than one month and cause significant distress or functional impairment.

Key Symptoms (DSM-5-TR Criteria)

  • Intrusion symptoms (e.g., flashbacks, nightmares)
  • Avoidance of reminders or thoughts of the trauma
  • Negative changes in mood and cognition
  • Arousal and reactivity symptoms (e.g., irritability, hypervigilance)

Trauma-Informed Therapy Approaches

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Sensory Experience (SE), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Trauma Focused (TF-CBT) or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Medication, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

Healing from trauma and PTSD is possible.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION