Trauma Explained: Big T, Little t, and the Nervous System

What if trauma isn’t defined by the event — but by how your nervous system experienced it?

In this episode of Healing Is My Hobby, Jessica Colarco, LCSW, breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in mental health: trauma.

Many people believe trauma only applies to extreme, life-threatening events. But trauma is actually about nervous system overwhelm — when experiences exceed our capacity to process them in the moment.

Jessica explains the difference between Big T trauma (major life-threatening events) and little t trauma (chronic emotional stress, relational wounds, and repeated experiences of not feeling safe, seen, or supported). Both shape how our nervous system learns to respond to the world.

This conversation reframes trauma through a compassionate, neuroscience-informed lens, helping listeners understand that trauma responses like hyper-vigilance, people-pleasing, emotional numbing, or overworking are not character flaws — they are adaptations your nervous system developed to survive.

The most hopeful part? Trauma is not permanent damage. Because of neuroplasticity, the nervous system can learn new patterns of safety, regulation, and resilience.

If you’ve ever wondered why certain situations trigger strong reactions or patterns you can’t quite explain, this episode offers clarity, understanding, and the first step toward healing.

Key Takeaways

1. Trauma is defined by nervous system overwhelm, not just by the event itself.
2. Big T trauma involves life-threatening events, while little t trauma involves chronic emotional stress and relational wounds.
3. Trauma responses are survival adaptations, not personal weaknesses.
4. Trauma is often stored in the body and nervous system, shaping how we react to stress.
5. Through awareness, regulation, and supportive practices, healing is possible.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:05 Jessica's Background and Focus on Trauma

02:03 Defining Trauma: Nervous System Overwhelm

04:26 Big T Trauma: Life-Threatening Events

06:24 Little T Trauma: Chronic Emotional Experiences

08:06 Why Both Types Matter for Healing

09:04 What Trauma Is Not: Common Misconceptions

11:34 Trauma Is Not Permanent Damage

12:36 Trauma Stored in the Body and Nervous System

14:30 The Body Keeps the Score and Healing Strategies

15:55 Trauma's Impact on the Nervous System

17:52 Trauma Responses and Reactivity

20:18 Shifting from Self-Judgment to Compassion

21:36 Reflective Practice: Noticing Patterns

23:04 The Power of Understanding and Compassion

24:11 Next Steps in Healing and Upcoming Topics

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingismyhobby/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingismyhobby

Would you like to learn more about Jessica’s clinical practice? Click here.

Resources

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

What Happened to You by Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey

Gabor Maté's The Myth of Normal

trauma, nervous system, healing, big T trauma, little t trauma, mental health, regulation, safety, recovery, neuroplasticity