When the Past Shows Up: Understanding Childhood Trauma Triggers as an Adult

Have you ever had a reaction that felt way bigger than the situation? In this episode, I break down what childhood trauma triggers in adulthood really are—and why I prefer calling them "activated parts."

We explore the complex truth that most people miss: when parts get activated, it's usually about BOTH the past AND something real happening in the present. I share my own story from 20 years ago about self-injury, boundary violations, and how "you're just triggered" became a weapon to avoid accountability.

You'll learn:

• What triggers actually are and how they connect to implicit memories in your body
• Why "activated parts" is more empowering than "triggered"
• How your parts carry old pain AND respond to present-day truth simultaneously
• What activation looks like in daily life (emotions, trauma responses, body sensations)
• The critical difference between activated parts, retraumatization, and normal emotions

I also share my experience with systemic trauma and how choosing parts work over powerlessness became my path forward.

This episode is for adults healing from childhood trauma who are ready to hold complexity, trust themselves, and take responsibility for their healing journey.

What You'll Find in This Episode: 

1. Real talk about the dual nature of triggers (past + present) 
2. Why the trauma field gets "retraumatization" wrong 
3. How to tell the difference between activation and just having feelings 
4. The anxious-avoidant relationship pattern explained 
5. When "triggered" gets weaponized in relationships 
6. How healing is a choice—and the only path to truly respecting yourself

Mentioned Episodes

• Five Trauma Counseling Techniques That Really Help: https://brighthorizontherapies.com/blog/five-effective-trauma-counselling-techniques/
• The Benefits of Parts Work for Healing Trauma: https://brighthorizontherapies.com/blog/parts-work-therapy-benefits-healing-trauma/
• Grounding Practices: 
  https://brighthorizontherapies.com/blog/understanding-the-window-of-tolerance/

A Note: This episode is educational and growth-oriented, not fear-based. It's for people ready to engage actively with their healing. Healing is a choice. Taking responsibility for your healing is a choice. And it's also the only path to truly choosing yourself, hono

Further resources

If you’d like to explore more about trauma recovery and my work, here are some ways to connect:

• Discover more about my work: https://brighthorizontherapies.com/
• Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brighthorizontherapies/
• Send me a message or share your thoughts: nat@brighthorizontherapies.com

Trauma Demystified is not intended to replace professional guidance, support, medical treatment, or therapy. Please feel free to consult your physician or a mental health professional for any questions about mental health symptoms.

Bright Horizon Therapies is located in the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda. This land is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. I acknowledge the traditional caregivers of the land and the importance of a commitment to the continued decolonization of my work.

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction
• 2:35 What are Childhood Trauma Triggers in Adulthood
• 6:54 Reframing Language: Activated Parts vs. Childhood Trauma Triggers
• 11:10 The dual nature of activated parts
• 17:47 Childhood trauma triggers in adulthood: Responsibilities
• 22:50 What activation can look like
• 28:38 Activated parts, retraumatization, natural emotions and new trauma: What’s the difference?
• 38:38 Bottom line