What is trauma?

Trauma is any adverse event that leaves a negative impact on the mind-body system of the person who experiences it. Stressful experiences come and go. Experiences defined as traumatic remain in the system, and negatively alter our ongoing perceptions and reactions.

Trauma is defined by the experience of overwhelm, or powerlessness. That means that the same adverse event may be painful or stressful for one person, but traumatic for another. The difference is in the degree of personal agency, resources, and support the person has.

  • Childhood Trauma

    Learn about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and take the self-assessment

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  • Adult Trauma

    Learn about the types of adult trauma

    Coming Soon

  • Intergenerational Trauma

    Learn about the science of epigenetics

    coming soon

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