Types of Trauma
Types of Trauma
Trauma which can be thought of as a psychological wound, tends to fall into three categories: Acute trauma, complex trauma, or secondary trauma.
Acute Trauma
This trauma typically results from experiencing a single incident that is distressing or traumatic in nature (e.g. car accident, natural disaster, physical violence). PTSD can develop from these types of occurrences, which may cause symptoms such as hopelessness, hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts or images of the event, nightmares, or flashbacks to the event.
Complex trauma
This type of trauma is classified as enduring chronic, repeated, and/or multiple types of trauma. Complex trauma is unique as it contains elements of acute trauma (e.g. avoiding reminders of the trauma, re-experiencing the trauma, etc) however, complex trauma also contains a relational component (i.e. the trauma occurs within the relationship with another person) and can include interactions from a caregiver. Complex trauma has effects on being able to emotionally regulate, form and maintain healthy relationships with others, and form a strong sense of self-identity. Individuals with complex trauma often some or all of the following types of trauma, leading to a complex trauma diagnosis:
Developmental trauma
This type of trauma occurs during childhood development stages, usually before puberty. Developmental trauma falls on a wide spectrum from overt to subtle, however, the main marker is that the trauma has a distinct impact on a child’s development (physical, emotional, or social). This could look like unmet basic physical needs, such as lack of housing or food, unmet emotional needs, such as physical closeness and emotional safety, or unmet social needs, such as lack of attunement from caregivers. Developmental trauma often coincides with attachment trauma.
Attachment trauma
When early caregiving relationships are inconsistent, neglectful, abusive, or misattuned, attachment trauma can develop. This form of trauma disrupts a person's ability to trust others, feel emotionally safe, or form secure connections in romantic relationships. Attachment trauma typically begins in early childhood, when secure attachments are most critical. When attachment trauma goes untreated, attachment disorders can occur, leading to long term relational difficulties, especially within romantic and caregiving relationships. This is true even if the trauma is not consciously remembered. Through attachment-focused trauma therapy, we help clients understand and heal from the patterns rooted in early relational wounds.
Relational trauma
Everyone has relational trauma, which is simply a rupture that has occurred within the context of a relationship with another person. Relational wounds become trauma when the ruptures become consistent and frequent, without any repair. For example, betrayal, abandonment, or dysfunctional behaviors in a relationship can lead to relational trauma, undermining trust and the ability to form healthy relationships.
Intergenerational trauma
Also known as transgenerational trauma, this type of trauma is passed down through families, often unconsciously. It can arise from systemic oppression, dysfunctional family patterns, mental health and/or addiction issues, or poverty.. At The Willow Space, we work with clients to identify inherited trauma patterns and begin the process of trauma repair across generations.
Secondary (Vicarious) trauma
Typically experienced by those in helping fields (e.g. therapists, doctors, EMTs, police officers, etc), this type of trauma occurs from indirectly experiencing an event that happens to someone else. For example, a hospice worker who is constantly around people who are ill or dying may experience vicarious trauma from the patients they care for. Experiencing this type of trauma can lead to burnout or compassion fatigue if not properly treated.