Acute Trauma

This type of trauma results from a single, distressing event. Examples include a car accident, a natural disaster, or a sudden loss of a loved one. Acute trauma often leads to shock and denial, but symptoms can also include anxiety, confusion, and mood swings.

Chronic Trauma

Chronic trauma occurs when someone experiences repeated and prolonged exposure to highly stressful events. This can include situations such as ongoing domestic violence, abuse, or long-term illness. Over time, chronic trauma can have serious emotional and physical health effects.

Complex Trauma

Complex trauma results from exposure to multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive, interpersonal nature. These experiences usually happen over a long period and can profoundly affect a person’s sense of self and relationships. Examples include childhood abuse, neglect, or repeated domestic violence.

Secondary or Vicarious Trauma

This type of trauma affects individuals who are exposed to other people's traumatic experiences. Often seen in professionals like therapists, first responders, or even family members who hear about the trauma of loved ones, secondary trauma can lead to symptoms similar to those of direct trauma.

Developmental Trauma

Developmental trauma refers to exposure to traumatic events during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or loss of a caregiver. This type of trauma can interfere with a child’s development, affecting their ability to form healthy attachments and manage emotions later in life.

Historical or Intergenerational Trauma

Historical trauma is the collective emotional and psychological injury over a lifespan and across generations, resulting from a history of oppression or genocide. This includes the trauma experienced by Indigenous communities, descendants of enslaved people, and survivors of the Holocaust. The effects of this trauma are passed down through generations.