Developmental Trauma vs. Acute Trauma — What’s the Difference?

When most people hear the word “trauma,” they think of a single, overwhelming event —

like a car accident, natural disaster, or sudden loss. This kind of trauma, often called acute

trauma, is real and painful. But there’s another form of trauma that many people carry

without even realizing it: developmental trauma, often rooted in attachment injuries from

childhood.

Acute trauma usually happens when something sudden and overwhelming shocks the

nervous system. It might involve fear for one’s life, witnessing violence, or experiencing an

accident. The body and mind often respond with hyperarousal (fight/flight), shut-down

(freeze), flashbacks, nightmares, or avoidance. While acute trauma can have lasting effects,

it usually stems from a specific event or series of events.

Developmental trauma, on the other hand, often begins much earlier and is more complex.

It grows out of repeated experiences of not feeling safe, seen, or soothed in our earliest

relationships. It’s not always about what happened, but sometimes about what didn’t

happen — consistent love, protection, and secure attachment. Over time, this can rewire the

nervous system to expect danger or disconnection, even when none is present. C-PTSD or Complex PTSD falls into developmental trauma, and refers specifically to a constellation of symptoms resulting from chronic, repeated trauma over time.

How They Overlap

Both acute and developmental trauma affect the nervous system and can leave us feeling

anxious, disconnected, or unsafe. Symptoms like hypervigilance, dissociation, or chronic

stress can show up in either type. The nervous system doesn’t always distinguish between

one overwhelming event and many smaller, repeated ones — it only knows what feels

unsafe.

How They Differ

The main difference is that developmental trauma is woven into the foundation of who we

are. It’s not about a single event — it’s about an ongoing environment that shaped our sense

of safety, belonging, and worth. While acute trauma often has a clear “before and after,”

developmental trauma may feel like it’s always been part of you.

Hope and Healing

The good news is that both acute and developmental trauma can be healed. Somatic

approaches, such as Somatic Experiencing, Polyvagal Theory, and Internal Family Systems,

support the nervous system in finding safety and regulation. With time and support, it’s

possible to release old patterns, reconnect with your body, and build the secure base that

may have been missing earlier in life.

If this feels familiar, that's because it's real! — whether your trauma stems from a

single event or years of early disconnection. Healing isn’t about erasing the past; it’s about

breaking down the past into digestible bits so it can be processed and stop clogging up your system! Yes you can! If you’d like support in that process, I’d be

honored to walk alongside you.