162 The Many Faces of Trauma | The Trauma Map: How This Series Works

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Welcome to the first episode of my new series “The Many Faces of Trauma.” In this opening episode, I share why I’m creating this series and how I’ll guide you through different trauma types in a way that’s clear, gentle, and not overwhelming. I introduce the “trauma map” I’ll be using across two seasons, explain what I mean by “trauma types” (as pathways, not labels), and offer a simple, polyvagal-informed way to understand what your nervous system may be doing.

In this episode, I cover

• Why I’m creating a trauma-types series—and how naming can reduce shame
• What I mean by “trauma type” (a pathway, not a box you live in)
• This series is structured across two seasons, so you can go at your own pace
• The five big pathways:
  1. Foundations
  2. Early imprint trauma
  3. Event-based trauma
  4. Society-shaped & environment-based trauma
  5. What trauma can become (including how trauma can affect the body)
• My simple, plain-language polyvagal map of nervous system states:
  • Safety & connection - ventral 
  • Mobilised protection (fight/flight) - sympathetic
  • Shutdown protection (numb/freeze/collapse) - dorsal
• How to listen in a way that supports your system 

Gentle content note

In this episode, I talk about trauma in general terms with no graphic detail. You’re always welcome to pause, step away, or come back later.

Grounding practice

I guide you through a brief practice that’s safe for most people, including:

• Orienting (noticing a few neutral objects around you)
• Longer-exhale breathing
• Contact + choice (feeling support in your body and naming one small next step)

How I recommend you use this series

• You don’t have to listen in order; start where you feel steady or curious
• You may relate to more than one episode (that’s common)
• This series is not a diagnosis tool; it’s a map for understanding and support

I invite you to check my website for the free resources offered for both those affected by trauma and those supporting them.

Coming next: When the Body

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