The word 'trauma' is widely misunderstood. This misunderstanding is not merely semantic; it actually limits human potential, by limiting human understanding.

Trauma can be physical or emotional. It can have subtle or overt origins. Some children experience years of physical abuse, and that is obviously traumatic. However, that limits some peoples' idea of trauma. Sometimes, a harsh word anchors in a lifelong trauma. It all depends on the psychological constellation that is occurring at the time.

One client had thrown a football a thousand times. But once, when he was trying to impress a girl, he threw a football horribly, and 'lost the girl', so the story goes. After exploring the equation through touch, he'd separated from his own arm; it had disappointed him. This manifested as arm and shoulder pain for years. So, the 1001th throw of the football could be the root of a lifetime of challenges, if left unresolved.