Non-clinical Trauma and T-like states

Service Description

Small ‘t’ Trauma Program A Therapy Approach for Relational Wounds and Emotional Neglect This therapy program is designed to help individuals heal from small ‘t’ trauma — chronic emotional injuries and relational wounds that often go unnoticed but deeply shape a person’s identity, relationships, and emotional patterns. Unlike “Big T” trauma, which results from catastrophic events, small ‘t’ trauma stems from what didn’t happen — emotional neglect, rejection, chronic criticism, invalidation, or having emotionally unavailable caregivers. These cumulative experiences can lead to long-term difficulties such as low self-worth, anxiety, perfectionism, emotional detachment, self-criticism, and trouble forming healthy connections. The goal of this program is to reduce the emotional and cognitive impact of these experiences, build emotional regulation skills, strengthen self-compassion, and promote more balanced beliefs about self and others. The treatment approach integrates evidence-based therapies, including: Psychoeducation to normalize symptoms and explain how chronic emotional stress affects the nervous system and self-image. Stabilization skills from DBT to support distress tolerance, grounding, and self-soothing. Trauma memory reprocessing using EMDR to process unresolved emotional memories such as repeated rejection or fear of disapproval. Cognitive restructuring (CBT, ACT) to challenge negative beliefs like “I’m not enough” and develop a more compassionate inner voice. Resilience-building through Compassion-Focused Therapy and values-based action to reconnect with meaning, purpose, and safety in relationships. By the end of this program, clients often report reduced emotional reactivity, increased emotional awareness, improved boundaries, and a more secure, compassionate relationship with themselves.