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Trauma Informed Therapy

Posted on: October 31, 2025by Epidemic Developer 2

What is Trauma?

Trauma is our response to an experience that is so distressing and frightening that we become overwhelmed and unable to cope effectively. Trauma is not determined by the event or what happened but rather our experience of it. It is deeply personal and results from how our nervous system responded and recovered from a highly distressing experience. Trauma shows up in many forms and can leave lasting imprints on the mind, body, and spirit. There are three main types of trauma.

Types of Trauma

PTSD

When trauma stems from a single overwhelming event or a series of identifiable incidents it is often referred to as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

CPTSD

When trauma stems from a series of identifiable overwhelming incidents it is often referred to asComplex PTSD.

Developmental Trauma

When trauma arises from growing up in an unsafe or harmful environment, where neglect or fear was part of daily life, it is called developmental trauma. This form of trauma can shape a person’s sense of safety, trust, and self-worth well into adulthood.

About the Authors

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Hilary Stokes Phd

Dr. Hilary Stokes is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice in San Diego, California. Dr. Hilary received her PhD in psychology with a specialty in transpersonal psychology from San Diego University for Integrative Studies, a master’s degree in social work from San Diego State University and a master’s degree in Sport Psychology from San Jose State University. In addition to her ....

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Kim Ward Phd

Dr. Kim Ward received her PhD in psychology with a specialty in transpersonal psychology from San Diego University for Integrative Studies. She also holds a master’s degree in transpersonal psychology from John F. Kennedy University in Orinda, California. Dr. Kim is a certified trauma-informed coach and life coach in private practice in San Diego, California. In...