Trauma isn’t one-size-fits-all. At Positive Reset, we believe that understanding the unique types of trauma is the first step toward healing. Whether you’re facing long-term emotional wounds or trying to break free from unhealthy patterns, knowing the root of your pain can help guide your recovery.

Complex trauma arises from prolonged or repeated exposure to stressful or harmful experiences, often starting in childhood. This can include abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or growing up in an unpredictable or unsafe environment. Over time, these experiences can impact emotional regulation, self-worth, and the ability to form healthy relationships. Healing from complex trauma typically involves a careful, individualized approach with long-term therapy designed to address each person’s unique needs.

Generational trauma, sometimes called intergenerational or ancestral trauma, involves emotional wounds carried from one generation to the next. These may arise from experiences like cultural oppression, war, poverty, addiction, or family abuse that affected previous generations. Even when the original trauma is unspoken, its effects—such as anxiety, mistrust, or depression—can influence current family members. Addressing generational trauma often includes family therapy and exploring inherited emotional patterns to promote healing.

A trauma bond is a strong emotional connection that forms between someone and a person who has hurt them. These bonds commonly occur in abusive or toxic relationships, where patterns of mistreatment are followed by moments of affection or closeness. The emotional intensity of these cycles can make it extremely hard to step away, even when the relationship is harmful. Recognizing trauma bonds is an important step toward healing and establishing healthy boundaries.

Childhood trauma encompasses painful or harmful experiences that happen before the age of 18. This can include physical or emotional abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, witnessing domestic violence, or growing up in a home affected by mental illness or substance use. These early experiences can influence how a person sees themselves and interacts with the world, often appearing later as anxiety, trust challenges, or difficulty regulating emotions. Therapy can help process these experiences and guide individuals toward emotional healing and resilience.