Your "Little t" Traumas Matter, Too

Have you ever felt an inexplicable wave of self-doubt, a hesitation in speaking up, or an unshakable fear of rejection—without fully understanding why? These subtle yet powerful feelings may be rooted in "little t" traumas—those everyday wounds that seem small on the surface but quietly shape how we see ourselves and interact with the world. Nearly every woman has experienced these moments, often dismissing them as insignificant, yet they accumulate over time, influencing confidence, relationships, and emotional well-being.

In this episode, we uncover the hidden weight of "little t" trauma, how to recognize its impact, and, most importantly, how to begin the journey of healing with hero and therapist Jen Baumgold. Jen is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist who specializes in trauma treatment. She is certified in EMDR and works with clients to help untangle the knots of trauma while finding a path toward healing and resilience. After graduating with her master's in social work, Jen began her career at the New York Fire Department counseling service unit, where she worked until 2016. During her time there, she provided crucial mental health support to FDYN members and their families. 

In addition to her private practice, Jen is an active member of the Fair Field Trauma Response team, a volunteer alliance of mental health professionals committed to aiding first responders and the local communities in healing from trauma, tragedy, and stress. 

Tune in!

What You Will Learn:

• [00:01] Intro and a bit about our guest today, Jen Baumgold
• [04:36] The purpose and importance of EMDR therapy
• [05:59] How “small t” trauma differs from “big T” trauma 
• [08:16] Why “small t” traumas are often minimized and overlooked 
• [09:32] The most common emotions associated with “small t” trauma
• [10:16] How everyday wounds accumulate and shape our self-perception
• [13:57] How “small t” trauma affects relationships and emotional wellbeing
• [16:47] Patterns and behaviors that indicate unresolved “small t” traumas
• [18:30] Common coping mechanisms around “small t” traumas 
• [24:34] Understanding, correcting and healing from “small t” trauma
• [28:20] ”Small t” vs. “Big T” trauma impacts on nervous system and steps to healing
• [36:44] Jen's advice on how to start your healing journey 
• [37:39] Wrap up and end of the show

Standout Quotes:

• “Small t trauma threatens our social connections, and that's why it doesn’t feel as life-threatening, but it can be just as impactful if not more than big T traumas.” [06:06]
• “What might be traumatic to you, big T or little t, may or may not be to another person.” [30:08]
• “Healing “little t” traumas takes awareness, and tuning inwards to make sure you can take the experiences and commit them to your nervous system.” [33:36]

Let’s Connect

Jennifer Baumgold

Website: https://www.lotuspsychotherapyfc.com/jennifer-baumgold-lcsw

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-baumgold-b6ba8077

Chandler Stroud

Website: https://healingheroespodcast.com/

Mixing, editing and show notes provided by Next Day Podcast.