Trauma refers to a psychological and emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event. It can overwhelm a person’s ability to cope, leaving them feeling unsafe, powerless, or emotionally numb.

Simple trauma refers to the emotional and psychological response to a single, one-time traumatic event. This kind of trauma is typically clearly identifiable, and the person affected usually did feel relatively safe and supported before and after the event — even if the event itself was overwhelming.

Examples

• A car accident
• A medical emergency or surgery
• A natural disaster (e.g., earthquake, flood)
• Being the victim of a crime (e.g., mugging, assault)
• Witnessing a distressing incident

These can lead to Post Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD)

Complex trauma refers to the psychological and emotional effects of repeated, long-term exposure to traumatic experiences, often starting in childhood. Unlike a single traumatic event (like a car accident), complex trauma usually happens over time, often in environments where a person feels trapped, powerless, or unsupported.

Examples

• Childhood abuse (emotional, physical, sexual)
• Neglect or growing up in a household where basic emotional needs weren’t met
• Domestic violence or ongoing exposure to conflict
• Caregiver instability (e.g., parental mental illness, addiction, abandonment)
• Being in institutions or foster care
• Living in war zones, or prolonged exposure to discrimination or poverty

These can lead to Complex post traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD)