Trauma can be defined as a single incident or multiple incidents (ongoing/across a span of time), and is referred to as “complex trauma” or "c-PTSD." Oftentimes, those with complex trauma have had adverse childhood experiences–a physically/emotionally/sexually abusive person in their life and/or an absent person of safety. Trauma is not only the horrific events that happen to people, but also the things that didn’t happen, especially in response to these events. On account of the trauma, negative thoughts about oneself, others, and the world often form. Trauma-focused therapy is built upon safety, collaboration, transparency, empowerment, and competency. As humans, we have an innate drive towards physical and emotional safety–therapy provides the opportunity to experience this.