What is Complex PTSD?
Complex PTSD, or C-PTSD, is a term used to describe experiences and symptoms that can develop after experiencing prolonged or repeated trauma.
Unlike PTSD, which is typically caused by a single traumatic event, C-PTSD is often the result of long-term or multiple traumatic incidents. This can include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, as well as living in a war zone or being held captive. The symptoms of C-PTSD include all the symptoms of PTSD however, it also usually results in trouble with relationships and somatic complaints.
While the symptoms of C-PTSD can be severe and long-lasting, there is hope for recovery with the right treatment and support. Let's work together to get you the help you deserve today.
Can You Heal from
Complex PTSD?
Healing from complex trauma is possible but it requires a therapist who knows how to help you. It sounds simple, but effective therapy for Complex PTSD requires extensive training. In order for treatment to be successful we need to give you skills to soothe your nervous system (like an emergency brake) so that your able to leave session feeling grounded versus overwhelmed and spacey.
How Long does Healing Take?
Healing from trauma, especially complex trauma, is an individual process. I'll shoot it you straight, no two healing journeys look exactly alike. Therefore, it might take you more or less time in any of these stages of healing. However, below is a general guideline to help you understand the way I approach healing trauma.
What It Looks Like
1
Learning to regulate your nervous system
Learning how to calm your nervous system is the first step in healing from trauma and necessary to heal from trauma safely. Trauma makes our window of tolerance smaller, meaning we're more likely to go into fight/flight/freeze/fawn than people who have not experienced trauma. I'll work to help you recalibrate your nervous system so you can experience life without becoming overwhelmed or feeling numb. Working together, I'll teach you about your nervous system, your window of tolerance and give you concrete skills to regulate your system.
2
Validating and honoring all the parts of you
Complex trauma can leave us at war with ourselves. We feel filled with hatred for parts of ourselves and fear of others. Together, we will work to help you meet yourself with compassion and understand how all parts of you, even the ones that cause you pain, are trying to support you. This can help you to see even the most difficult behaviors and aspects of yourself with compassion and curiosity, creating room for change.
3
Processing the Trauma
You'll utilize techniques like EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, the Internal Family Systems and Somatic Therapy to help reprocess past experiences so you can see them, and yourself, in a new light. This is different then "talking" about your trauma. Processing helps to change your relationship to the trauma.
4
Reclaiming the Future
We'll identify and develop plans to help you cope with triggers moving forward. We'll continue to practice skills, manage symptoms as they arise and help you go from surviving to thriving.