When Starting out as a psychologist, I worked extensively with clients using standard therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). It was immensely rewarding to see the progress many clients made through these evidence-based approaches. However, I began to notice that approximately 15-20 percent of my clients did not seem to experience the same level of improvement, or in some cases, didn’t benefit noticeably at all. What intrigued me further was that these individuals also exhibited patterns of behaviour in their daily lives that appeared counterproductive or even detrimental to their emotional and psychological wellbeing. These clients engaged in chronic avoidance, engaged in substance abuse, chronic procrastinated, remained in relationships that were obviously harmful to them, or pushed themselves excessively in life as if this was necessary to prove their existence.

These presentations were difficult to understand and conceptualise, that was, until I learnt about the role of trauma and how adverse early life experiences affect psychological and emotional functioning. In the psychological and trauma literature, there is a great deal of interest and attention placed on what psychologist call ‘Big T’ traumas. These are defined as one off, awful, and often life threatening experiences which result in people developing symptoms of post traumatic stress. This includes nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, negative self-concepts, and chronic avoidance. Through assessment, these symptoms can be traced back to the single incident trauma experience.

Whilst ‘Big T’ trauma’s have been well understood for decades, what is becoming more recognised in the trauma literature is the impact of what psychologist call ‘Little T’ traumas. These types of traumas, whilst not typically life threatening, can often have a comparable impact on people lives. Well, what exactly are ‘Little T’ traumas? Some examples include:

• Chronic childhood neglect or physical/emotional abuse.

• Growing up in a perfectionistic household.

• Caregivers who were chronically demanding or guilt inducing.

• Bullying or lack of acceptance within peer settings.

• Ostracisation due to socio economic back ground.

• Lack of trust by caregivers that you were capable to handle challenges.

• Chronic worry and/or overshadowing by caregivers in the absence of real danger.

More information coming soon….