06/18/2026
Small “t” traumas are non-life-threatening events that can cause significant emotional harm and interfere with an individual’s ability to cope. They include chronic or repeating events, like emotional abuse, bullying, and financial stress, and one-off psychologically damaging events like divorce or the death of a loved one. They cause long-lasting emotional pain and impact self-esteem, leading to anxiety, depression, or difficulty in relationships. We often dismiss or downplay these experiences because they don’t seem "bad enough," but in reality, they are the root of significant psychological damage and pain for many people. Therapy is a key treatment for overcoming small “t” traumas.