Types of Trauma

According to Maté, there are two types of trauma. The first involves one’s automatic responses to particular events that occur either in childhood or later. These traumas lead to physical and/or mental diseases. The only disease of this type currently acknowledged by the medical profession is PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder).

The second involves what Maté quotes another researcher as calling, “the less memorable but hurtful and far more prevalent misfortunes of childhood” and the damage these leave on children’s psyches. Whether that be from bullying or a lack of emotional connection with adults, doesn’t matter. Children, especially highly sensitive children, can be wounded in many ways and they grow up as wounded adults.

Both types of trauma listed above represent damage to the self and to one’s relationship to others and Maté asserts “that fracturing is the essence of trauma.” Pg 23).

Does your trauma stem from a particular event/series of events or does it stem from negative emotional experiences that occurred during childhood?