top of page

How do I know if I’ve Experienced Trauma? Tips from a Trauma Therapist in Westchester, NY

Updated: Sep 24, 2023


“What if I don’t remember anything that happened to me?”


This is a question that we get asked all the time as mental health counselors and trauma informed therapists in Westchester, NY.

Our minds won’t always classify something as traumatic. Especially if we are defensive or minimize our pain and experiences, experience varying levels of dissociation, or our minds have blocked out memories.


But our body will always tell us if something what traumatic. The body knows, and it will tells us the truth when our mind tries to trick us or go all over the place.

Big T Traumas VS Little T Traumas


Trauma is usually defined as Big T traumas or Little T traumas.


Big T traumas are the ones that are more socially considered traumatic and things that are shocking and sudden.


But Little T traumas are experiences that are too much/too little for too long. Prolonged exposure to neglect, bullying, hardship, etc.


Think of it like this:


Imagine being in a boxing ring. The big T traumas are like one giant punch that results in a TKO.


The Little T Traumas are like going 12 rounds. You get hit, knocked down, get back up, get some of your own punches in, keep getting hit, etc., but the 12 rounds was overwhelming and wearing on your nervous system.


Now imagine getting back in the ring, the next day without any time to rest and recover. It’s too much. Your nervous system needs time to heal before going back in.


That’s exactly what little T traumas (and big T) do to our minds, our bodies, our overall well-being.


Thankfully, our nervous system’s can be reshaped anytime, any age, thanks to neuroplasticity. This is why trauma informed therapies, such as EMDR Therapy, are so effective. Because they help reshape our nervous systems.


Trauma informed therapy can help. But it requires work, effort, and consistency for those changes to happen. Healing is uncomfortable, but it is sooo worth it. You can do this! 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

 

Looking for a trauma therapist in New York?


Our therapists at Peaceful Living Mental Health Counseling, in Scarsdale, NY, are experts in trauma informed therapy. We are able to provide EMDR Therapy virtually to all residents of New York and Connecticut. Prefer to see an EMDR Therapist in person? Our counseling office is located in Westchester, NY are all of our mental health counselors are seeing clients in person as well.


Give our office a call at (914) 222-3983 or email us at support@peacefullivingmhc.com to schedule your free consultation.



Comments


bottom of page