Understanding Developmental Trauma
Trauma has traditionally been thought of in association with catastrophic events such as accidents, natural disasters, violence, and war – events that were “generally outside the range of usual human experience.” This traditional viewpoint is deeply entrenched in clinical diagnoses and permeates many aspects of mental healthcare.
However, for those who have experienced trauma during early development, this viewpoint is woefully shortsighted. As with most culturally entrenched beliefs, many people feel powerless and unseen, often filled with shame because they identify in adulthood with survivors of event-based traumatic experiences, but their own experiences don’t fit neatly within the definitions and checklists.
To understand trauma, one must shift from traditional models that focus on events and instead examine the psychological and neurophysiological effects of those events.
Most definitions of trauma begin with an EVENT, followed by the EXPERIENCE of that event, and the EFFECT of that experience on the psyche. This is the basis of the Three-E Model developed in 2014 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
The event is described as “objective” and “extreme” or “life threatening.”
While the structure of the Three-E Model is effective on the surface, the subtext and explanations of the “threat” miss a key element of Developmental Trauma:
Young brains can’t determine what is an “extreme” threat because the prefrontal cortex has not yet fully developed the capacity to differentiate between what is or is not “extreme” and reactions are driven instead from the unconscious autonomic areas of the brain.
What is Developmental Trauma?
Infants and young children are vulnerable because they rely entirely on caregivers for survival. They are hardwired to bond with and depend on their caregivers. So, “life threatening” takes on a much different meaning when viewed through the experience of a child. Perceived threats to primary caregiver relationships register as threats to life itself and can leave a traumatic impact in the subconscious mind and within the body of child.
· Developmental trauma can have its roots in OVERT events of violence such as sexual or physical assault – actions that produce physical evidence that can be SEEN.
· Developmental trauma can ALSO have its roots in COVERT events – psychological and emotional actions such as demeaning language, scapegoating, and bullying.
· … and NON-EVENTS such as withholding of affection, emotionally unavailable caregivers, neglect, narcissistic family dynamics, codependency, substance abuse and psychologically traumatized families, as well as generationally, culturally, or socially traumatized communities.
A more accurate view of developmental trauma is presented in the statement:
Trauma is not only caused by events that happened to you
… but also, by those things that DID NOT happen FOR you
Developmental trauma refers to the persistent, often subtle emotional wounds inflicted between the third trimester and nine years of age when the brain shifts more consistently to rational thinking using the prefrontal cortex. However, I would suggest that it continues into young adulthood in some families where a lack of awareness and access to appropriate mental health care allows patterns of dysfunction and influence to persist.
The keyword in the paragraph above is “wounds.” Trauma is the wound. Trauma is not the thing that happened to you or did not happen for you. Trauma is the result of those things. Trauma is the wound caused when we are overwhelmed with terror and helplessness in a perceived life-threatening situation.
What are the Effects of Developmental Trauma?
Entire books are dedicated to the effects of childhood trauma, so no quick symptom checklist could highlight every possible symptom or lasting psychological effect.
These are a few of my favorite authors on the subject and a brief synopsis of their work:
Dr. Gabor Maté, a leading figure in the field of trauma and addiction, emphasizes that the absence of nurturing and validation during childhood can lead to a range of emotional and psychological issues. In his book, When the Body Says No: Understanding the Stress-Disease Connection, he explores how repressed emotions from chronic trauma manifest as physical illnesses in adulthood.
Pete Walker, MFT, in his seminal work, Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving, notes that “Emotional neglect and abandonment are the silent killers of the psyche.” He explains that children subjected to this type of trauma often develop Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), a condition marked by deep-seated feelings of shame, guilt, and unworthiness.
MaryCatherine McDonald, PhD, a trauma researcher and educator, asserts, “The insidious nature of covert trauma lies in its invisibility. It's the trauma of not being seen, not being heard, and not being understood.” McDonald’s work underscores the importance of acknowledging and addressing these invisible wounds to foster healing and resilience.
Ricia Flemming, PhD, a trauma-focused psychotherapist, emphasizes the long-term impact of covert trauma on an individual's ability to form healthy relationships. In her workshops, she often quotes, “The echoes of covert trauma reverberate through our lives, affecting our sense of self and our interactions with others.
The Path to Healing
Healing from developmental trauma is a journey that requires patience, self-compassion, and a supportive environment. The path to healing often begins with recognizing and acknowledging the trauma that has occurred. This awareness is crucial because many people who have experienced developmental trauma may not even realize that their current struggles stem from childhood wounds. Once this recognition is in place, the next step involves seeking therapeutic support, whether through traditional therapy, trauma-informed coaching, or approaches like mindfulness and somatic experiencing.
Healing also involves rebuilding a sense of self-worth and learning to trust in relationships again, both of which are often eroded by early trauma. This can be supported by practices that foster self-compassion, such as meditation, journaling, and engaging in creative outlets that allow for self-expression. Learning to trust in relationships can begin by seeking community with others who are on their own healing journey from developmental trauma.
Healing also involves recognizing that the journey is not linear. It’s important to recognize that you may be peeling away decades of repressed emotion and each layer may present you with challenges to navigate as you work to build your resilience.
Moving Forward
Moving forward requires continuously working on self-awareness. Understanding your triggers and responses allows you to manage them more effectively, reducing their impact on your daily life. This process involves integrating the insights gained through the work you do to strengthen your resilience. Embracing and celebrating incremental progress will help you keep on the healing path to building a life that reflects your true self, unburdened by the shadows of the past. It is important to keep in mind that healing is not about erasing the past but about transforming your experiences into a source of wisdom and empowerment.
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