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You may not understand what is happening to you. Perhaps you’ve been ‘checking out” quite a bit. Maybe you keep having physical symptoms medical professionals have been unable to diagnose.. Or you keep having strange nightmares or sudden odd sensations. Have you worked with other therapists on your trauma but symptoms became worse or weren’t alleviated? This is my speciality and my passion; working with people who may have lost hope in their recovery.
Complex trauma refers to the prolonged or repeated exposure to traumatic events, typically occurring in the context of relationships where the victim feels trapped or unable to escape. Unlike single-event trauma (such as a car accident or natural disaster), complex trauma often involves repeated, cumulative experiences of harm over time, leading to long-lasting psychological and emotional effects.
Complex trauma is typically the result of chronic, ongoing trauma, often during childhood, though it can also occur in adulthood. The trauma usually involves interpersonal harm, such as abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence by caregivers, family members, or others who are supposed to provide safety and support.
Common Sources of Complex Trauma:
1. Childhood abuse (physical, emotional, sexual)
2. Chronic neglect or abandonment
3. Living with domestic violence or witnessing violent events
4. Long-term emotional manipulation or gaslighting
5. Ongoing bullying or harassment
6. Chronic exposure to chaotic or unsafe environments, such as in war zones or during periods of civil unrest
1. Repeated or Prolonged Exposure to Trauma: The victim is subjected to repeated, sometimes ongoing, traumatic experiences, making it harder for them to cope or heal.
2. Interpersonal Nature: Complex trauma often involves harm by a person or people the victim is close to, like a parent, partner, or caregiver. This betrayal of trust makes the trauma especially
damaging.
3. Impact on Development: When complex trauma occurs during childhood or adolescence, it
can interfere with normal emotional, cognitive, and social development, affecting the person’s sense of self, ability to form healthy relationships, and ability to trust others.
4. Difficulty in Escape: Victims of complex trauma often feel powerless, trapped, or unable to
escape their traumatic circumstances, whether due to dependence, fear, or manipulation by the perpetrator.
You may not understand what is happening to you. Perhaps you’ve been ‘checking out” quite a bit. Maybe you keep having physical symptoms medical professionals have been unable to diagnose.. Or you keep having strange nightmares or sudden odd sensations. Have you worked with other therapists on your trauma but symptoms became worse? This is my speciality and my passion; working with people who may have lost hope in their recovery.
1. Emotional Dysregulation: Victims may struggle with managing emotions, leading to extreme mood swings, difficulty calming down, or feeling overwhelmed by emotions.
2. Difficulty with Relationships: Trust issues, attachment problems, and difficulty forming healthy, safe relationships are common, especially if the trauma was caused by someone close to the victim.
3. Self-Esteem and Self-Worth Issues: People who have experienced complex trauma often feel unworthy, worthless, or fundamentally flawed, as the trauma often involves emotional or physical abuse that undermines their sense of self.
4. Intrusive Memories or Flashbacks: Survivors of complex trauma may experience flashbacks, intrusive memories, or nightmares related to the traumatic experiences, leading to distress and difficulty in day-to-day functioning.
5. Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD: Complex trauma is often associated with symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), including hypervigilance, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, anxiety, depression, and feelings of detachment or numbness.
6. Dissociation: Victims may have a tendency to or dissociate from their feelings and surroundings to cope with overwhelming emotions. This can manifest as feelings of unreality or detachment from one's own body or experiences.
7. Negative Self-Perception: Those who have endured complex trauma may struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame, even if the trauma was not their fault.
Healing from complex trauma can be a long, challenging process, but recovery is possible. Some approaches to healing include:
1. Trauma-Informed Therapy: Approaches like Eye Movement Integration Therapy, Traumatic Incident Reduction Therapy, and Internal Family Systems can help individuals process and reframe traumatic memories and experiences.
2. Building Safety and Trust: A safe, supportive environment is key for healing. This might involve working on establishing healthy boundaries, developing trust in others, and learning to self-soothe.
3. Addressing Emotional Regulation: Therapy that focuses on emotional regulation, mindfulness, and grounding techniques can help manage the intense emotions that come with complex trauma.
4. Support Groups: Connecting with others who have experienced similar traumas can be healing, as it provides validation, empathy, and shared experiences.
5. Self-Care and Compassion: Practicing self-compassion and engaging in self-care routines can help survivors regain a sense of self-worth and resilience.
Recovery from complex trauma often takes time and requires patience, as the effects are far-reaching and involve deep emotional wounds. Therapy with a trained professional who specializes in trauma recovery can provide valuable tools for healing and regaining a sense of control and peace.