What is trauma?

In this episode, we dive into understanding what the heck trauma really is and how it affects us. Join trauma expert Rebecca Kase, as she explains why our definition of trauma historically has been all wrong, why emotional trauma is still traumatic, and insights we can learn from the ACE study. You’ll also learn that healing is possible and how adversity can give birth to resilience through the concept of post-traumatic growth.

Here is what was covered in this episode: 

• Definition of trauma.
• Personal and professional understanding of trauma.
• The difference between trauma as an event and as a response.
• Differentiation between "big T" and "little t" traumas, with examples.
• Discussion on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study and its findings.
• Impact of trauma on mental and physical health, lifestyle, and behavior.
• The role of implicit memory in storing trauma.
• Importance of addressing both emotional and physical aspects of trauma.
• The concept of post-traumatic growth and its potential benefits.
• Encouragement for personal healing and overcoming trauma.

Helpful links: 

• https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/about.html
• https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/02/387007941/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-mean
• Post Traumatic Growth Inventory