Visual Trauma Mapping Model
A structured framework for mapping recurring emotional patterns
Free • no email
Text-first document library
Updated: v1.0
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What is Visual Trauma Mapping Model?
VTMM is a structured self-reflection mapping framework (with visuals) to help you identify distressing / trauma-adjacent patterns — and choose a next step.
Pick — a quick overview, more map clarity, or the full structure.
If unsure: Overview → Map
What is included:
Format: text-first document library + diagrams
Content: mapping + step-by-step modules (with solutions)
Explore button: view everything on Google Drive
Download button: grab the full pack (ZIP)
Overview
I’m building a Visual 7-System Mapping Model to help people map and understand traumatic experiences.It’s for structured self-reflection — a way to see what’s happening inside when reactions feel intense or confusing.“Systems” here means real mind/body functions (not separate organs) — just a practical way to describe stable patterns across situations.
Map - Connections + Systems
VTMM is a coverage map for a broad range of negative, trauma-related feelings—organizing them into a small set of underlying affect systems and the connection spectrums that shape how those systems interact.It works by translating an internal state into an activation pattern: which systems are active, how strongly they’re activated, and the strength and direction of their interaction across key connections.Once the pattern is legible, the experience can become more coherent / more interpretable which often reveals specific levers that generate and sustain it.7 Systems
Survival — Detect danger
Reward — Seek goals
Attachment — Build bonds
Social Regulation — Social standing
Physical Body — Body signals
Meaning-Making — Make sense
Executive Control — Choose actionsWant the full architecture + method? Check the Structure section.
Structure: In-depth view (optional)
VTMM is grounded in real-life contexts and repeating stress patterns.You can map a small set of core systems (generators) and their connections (spectrums of outputs), name the resulting output (e.g., shame / guilt / disgust), then break it down into context mechanics (how the loop runs in that setting) and smaller targetable sub-mechanics (“pillars”).To avoid guessing, VTMM includes tools that help you pinpoint the active connections (which system-pair connections are active) and select relevant outputs, so you can jump straight into the right mechanics + pillars.It also includes broader resolution routes for when you want a more top-down way to work through a pattern. The point is that you can zoom from big picture → precise intervention without losing coherence.And it’s a living structure: as more patterns show up in real use, new properties of these system-composites get noticed and added — more clarity and resolution options, not just more moving parts.Method: I break abstract concepts into primitives, formalize those primitives with stable names and definitions, then reintegrate them into a working model—iterating until its properties match my objective and repeatedly testing against clear success criteria.Roughly: a user-facing form of conceptual engineering.
Context ⇄ Stress Pattern ⇄ Systems ⇄ Connections ⇄ Output ⇄ Context Mechanics ⇄ Pillars
Content note: mentions trauma and difficult experiences. For self-reflection only — not therapy or crisis support.
Updates to the map, guide and other documents are posted here.You can subscribe for updates below.
Guide and images updated to an initial cohesive version — 02.12.2025
VTMM v1.0 — Release — 04.02.2026What’s included (v1.0):- Start Here + Essentials (orientation + model logic)- Risks & Safe Use- Tools: Link (Connection Finder), Rumble (System Finder), Manual Scoring- Resolution approaches (scope + routing guidance)- In-depth modules in this release: Body Shame, Bodily Anxiety, Identity Shame, Threat Appraisal, Guilt, Fear of Punishment
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