Trauma is a deeply personal and often misunderstood experience. While many people associate trauma with a single event, such as an accident or assault, trauma can take many forms and stem from a variety of sources. Impacts of single-incident trauma and complex trauma can look similar and may include constant hypervigilance or disconnection, negative beliefs about the self, the world, or others, symptoms of depression, anxiety, and low-self-esteem. Understanding how trauma manifests beyond a single incident can help us recognize if it may be contributing to our experiences.
In this post, we’ll explore single-incident trauma, complex trauma, and some of its forms. As you read, keep in mind that trauma is subjective — what may adversely impact one person might not affect another in the same way. Whether an experience results in trauma is not a reflection of the individual’s goodness or morality. Factors that increase the likelihood of something becoming traumatic, such as the external resources available at the time, are outside of one’s control.
1. Single-Incident Trauma
Single-incident trauma (also known as acute trauma or “Big-T Trauma”) arises from one specific event or experience that causes significant emotional or psychological impact. These events are often sudden, shocking, and overwhelming. Examples include:
- A car accident
- A physical assault
- A natural disaster
- A robbery or violent crime
- The sudden death of a loved one
The key feature of single-incident trauma is that it stems from a singular, distinct event. While the event itself may have been brief, the emotional and psychological consequences can linger, affecting one’s ability to trust, feel safe, or engage in normal daily activities. People may experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression following such events.
In therapy, single-incident trauma is often treated with approaches such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Brain-Spotting, or TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
2. Complex Trauma
Complex trauma (also known as chronic trauma or “little-t trauma”) refers to repeated and prolonged exposure to multiple traumatic events, often starting very early in life. These events are often interpersonal, such as ongoing physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Unlike single-incident trauma, complex trauma arises from the accumulation of repeated harm over an extended period.
Complex trauma can occur in various contexts, such as:
- Home
- School
- Caregiving environments
- Work
The effects of complex trauma are profound and long-lasting, deeply shaping a person’s sense of self, relationships, and worldview. Those with complex trauma often struggle with feelings of shame, difficulty forming healthy relationships, emotional dysregulation, and a persistent sense of danger.
Healing from complex trauma typically requires long-term, specialized therapy. This may include working with the nervous system, addressing unhelpful or negative belief systems, and building skills around trust, boundary-setting, and cultivating self-compassion. The therapies used for single-incident trauma (e.g., EMDR, Brain-Spotting) may also be employed in complex trauma treatment, though the process generally takes more time.
Common Types of Complex Traumas in Utah: Relational, Religious & Discrimination
Relational trauma refers to harm that occurs within significant relationships, often in the context of family or intimate partnerships. This type of trauma can result from neglect, abuse, or emotional manipulation. It is particularly damaging because it involves betrayal of trust by someone who is supposed to provide safety and support.
Examples of relational trauma include:
- Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse in an intimate relationship
- Childhood emotional or physical neglect
- Parental abandonment or inconsistent care
- Gaslighting or manipulation by a partner or family member
- Witnessing domestic violence or family conflict
What makes relational trauma particularly unique is that it disrupts the fundamental need for connection and security in our most important relationships. These traumatic experiences, rooted in attachment, often lead to deep issues with trust, low self-worth, and difficulties in forming future relationships.
Religious trauma occurs when a person experiences emotional, psychological, or physical harm as a result of their religious or spiritual beliefs. This trauma can arise from harmful teachings, abuse within religious institutions, or oppressive doctrines that cause shame, fear, or guilt.
Examples of religious trauma include:
- Experiencing spiritual abuse or manipulation by religious leaders
- Growing up in a highly controlling or fundamentalist religious environment
- Being shamed for one’s sexual orientation, identity, or personal choices by religious authorities
- Struggling with a rigid and judgmental view of God or spirituality that leads to anxiety or fear
- Leaving or being excommunicated from a religious community that was central to one’s identity
Healing from religious trauma can be complicated, as it often involves disentangling deeply held beliefs from harmful experiences. Religious trauma may also involve a loss of community, identity, and a sense of meaning in life. Therapy, peer support groups, and gradually reexamining one’s beliefs can all play a vital role in recovery.
Discrimination trauma arises when individuals experience harm or marginalization because of aspects of their identity, such as sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. This type of trauma can occur in environments where bias, prejudice, and systemic inequalities are pervasive, causing harm to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Discrimination trauma is especially profound when the person’s identity is an intrinsic part of who they are, leading to feelings of alienation, invisibility, or constant threat.
Examples of Discrimination Trauma Include:
- LGBTQ+ Discrimination: Individuals in the LGBTQ+ community may experience discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. This could include verbal abuse, social exclusion, being denied employment or housing, or facing rejection from family and friends. The trauma resulting from rejection, invalidation, and violence can be long-lasting, leading to anxiety, depression, and struggles with self-acceptance. In particularly oppressive environments, such as conservative or rural areas, LGBTQ+ individuals may face additional challenges in being open about their identity or even suffer the emotional weight of living “in the closet.”
- Racial and Ethnic Discrimination: People of color, especially in predominantly white or conservative communities, may experience racism in subtle or overt forms, such as microaggressions, stereotyping, or being treated as “other.” This can lead to chronic stress, feelings of isolation, or a constant need to prove oneself in ways that others may never have to. Living in a community where one’s racial or ethnic identity is marginalized can exacerbate feelings of not belonging, contributing to trauma that affects one’s sense of identity and safety.
Healing from discrimination trauma involves not only addressing the personal impact but also challenging and changing the societal systems that perpetuate these forms of harm. Therapy can be a crucial tool for addressing feelings of internalized oppression and learning how to navigate and reclaim power in spaces where discrimination may occur. Additionally, community support and advocacy for social justice can help individuals feel empowered and less isolated in their experiences.
Conclusion: The Path to Healing
No matter the type of trauma, it’s important to understand that its impact can vary greatly from person to person. While some individuals may appear to recover quickly from a traumatic event, others may face a long, difficult road to healing. Trauma does not always manifest in the same way, and the healing process isn’t linear. It requires patience, self-compassion, and often professional support.
Remember, your experience is valid, and the journey toward healing is not one you need to walk alone. If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma, seeking support from a mental health professional — especially one who specializes in trauma — can be a crucial first step. Healing is possible.
