Not all trauma looks the same. Many people struggle with emotional pain that doesn’t come from a single, dramatic event—but instead from a series of small, painful experiences that quietly accumulate over time. These are often referred to as “little t” traumas—and they can have a lasting impact on how you see yourself, relate to others, and move through the world.
If you find yourself stuck in patterns of anxiety, self-doubt, or emotional reactivity and can’t pinpoint why, you’re not alone. EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can be a powerful tool for understanding and healing the subtle wounds that might still be holding you back.
What Is “Little t” Trauma?
While “Big T” trauma refers to major, life-threatening events (such as accidents, assaults, or natural disasters), “little t” trauma describes the quieter but still deeply impactful experiences that erode our sense of safety, confidence, or self-worth. These can include:
Repeated experiences of being dismissed, shamed, or ignored
Social rejection or bullying in adolescence
Difficult breakups or unhealthy relationships
Chronic criticism or emotional neglect in childhood or adulthood
Career setbacks, academic failures, or public embarrassment
Over time, these experiences can lead to limiting beliefs like:
“I’m not good enough.”
“I can’t trust people.”
“I’m too much.”
“Something’s wrong with me.”
Even if these thoughts feel “normal,” they can be signs that unprocessed emotional pain is still influencing your present-day choices and feelings.
How EMDR Can Help
EMDR therapy works by helping your brain reprocess distressing memories so that they no longer carry the same emotional intensity. You don’t have to relive the trauma in detail—but rather, you’ll be guided to revisit and reframe the memories with the support of a trained therapist.
In therapy, we’ll identify the root experiences behind your current emotional challenges. EMDR can help you:
Feel less emotionally reactive or “triggered”
Reduce self-critical thoughts and inner judgment
Increase your sense of self-worth and confidence
Release old emotional patterns that no longer serve you
Move forward with more emotional clarity and freedom
Many clients are surprised to find that events they once considered “not that serious” had actually shaped their beliefs and behaviors in powerful ways. With EMDR, those beliefs can shift—allowing for healing, growth, and a renewed sense of agency.
You Don’t Have to Have a “Big T” Trauma to Benefit from EMDR
Therapy isn’t only for people with dramatic trauma histories. If you’ve been carrying emotional weight from the past—no matter how small it seems—your experiences are valid. You deserve support, and healing is possible.
Whether you’re navigating anxiety, relationship struggles, low self-esteem, or burnout, EMDR can help you break free from the hidden patterns holding you back.
Ready to Begin?
If you’re curious about EMDR or wondering whether it’s a good fit for your needs, I offer a free 20-minute consultation. Together, we can explore how therapy might help you move forward—gently, compassionately, and at your own pace.