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 TakeawaysTrauma is defined by nervous system overwhelm, not just by the event itself.Big T trauma involves life-threatening events, while little t trauma involves chronic emotional stress and relational wounds.Trauma responses are survival adaptations, not personal weaknesses.Trauma is often stored in the body and nervous system, shaping how we react to stress.Through awareness, regulation, and supportive practices, healing is possible.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:05 Jessica's Background and Focus on Trauma02:03 Defining Trauma: Nervous System Overwhelm04:26 Big T Trauma: Life-Threatening Events06:24 Little T Trauma: Chronic Emotional Experiences08:06 Why Both Types Matter for Healing09:04 What Trauma Is Not: Common Misconceptions11:34 Trauma Is Not Permanent Damage12:36 Trauma Stored in the Body and Nervous System14:30 The Body Keeps the Score and Healing Strategies15:55 Trauma's Impact on the Nervous System17:52 Trauma Responses and Reactivity20:18 Shifting from Self-Judgment to Compassion21:36 Reflective Practice: Noticing Patterns23:04 The Power of Understanding and Compassion24:11 Next Steps in Healing and Upcoming TopicsWant to stay in the know? Subscribe to our newsletter here.Contact Jessica here.Let's connect:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingismyhobby/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingismyhobbyWould you like to learn more about Jessica’s clinical practice? Click here. ResourcesThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der KolkWhat Happened to You by Bruce Perry and Oprah WinfreyGabor Maté's The Myth of Normaltrauma, nervous system, healing, big T trauma, little t trauma, mental health, regulation, safety, recovery, neuroplasticity