What is Trauma? A Person-Centred Perspective
As a person-centred therapist, I believe trauma is not defined solely by the event itself, but by how it is experienced and internalised by the individual. Trauma occurs when an experience overwhelms our capacity to process emotions, leaving us feeling unsafe, disconnected, or fundamentally changed in how we see ourselves and the world. In the safe, non-judgmental space of therapy, clients often discover that their pain deserves understanding, regardless of how “big” or “small” others might perceive it.
There is an important distinction between what is commonly called “Big T” and “little t” trauma. Big T trauma refers to overt, life-threatening events: serious accidents, physical or sexual violence, natural disasters, or sudden loss. These experiences shatter our sense of safety and control in dramatic ways. The impact is often immediate and visible—flashbacks, hypervigilance, or dissociation—yet the deeper wound is the way the event disrupts our core sense of self.
Little t trauma, by contrast, involves the quieter, cumulative experiences that erode our wellbeing over time. Chronic emotional neglect, repeated criticism, bullying, discrimination, or growing up in a household where feelings were dismissed can all qualify. Though less dramatic, these “small” traumas can be equally damaging because they slowly undermine self-worth and trust. Many clients arrive in my practice carrying years of little t wounds that have shaped their identity just as powerfully as any single Big T event.
In person-centred therapy, we don’t rush to label or categorise trauma. Instead, we create a relationship grounded in empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence. When clients feel truly heard—perhaps for the first time—they begin to reconnect with their own inner resources. Healing emerges not from fixing the past, but from restoring trust in one’s own experiencing.
If trauma is part of your story, know that your response was understandable. You are not broken; you are adapting. Therapy offers a space where you can explore your unique experience at your own pace, moving toward greater self-acceptance and wholeness.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health care. If you need urgent support, please contact your GP or Samaritans at 116 123.