Complex Trauma

Complex trauma, also known as Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), is a psychological condition that results from prolonged exposure to traumatic events or situations, often during childhood or over an extended period. Unlike typical PTSD, which is typically linked to a single traumatic incident, complex trauma is associated with ongoing and repetitive trauma, often involving interpersonal relationships and a sense of captivity or powerlessness.

Some common sources of complex trauma include:

1. Childhood abuse: Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse during childhood can lead to complex trauma. This can also include neglect or exposure to domestic violence.
2. Long-term exposure to trauma: This can occur in situations such as war, captivity, human trafficking, or being in a chronically abusive relationship.
3. Cultural or systemic trauma: Certain marginalized or oppressed groups may experience complex trauma due to systemic discrimination, racism, or other forms of social injustice.
4. Bullying: Persistent bullying or harassment, whether in school or the workplace, can lead to complex trauma.



The symptoms of complex trauma often go beyond those of traditional PTSD and may include:

• Emotional dysregulation: This can manifest as intense mood swings, anger outbursts, or emotional numbness.
• Difficulty with relationships: People with complex trauma may have trouble establishing or maintaining healthy relationships due to trust issues, fear of abandonment, or difficulty with emotional intimacy.
• Low self-esteem: Chronic feelings of shame, guilt, or worthlessness are common.
• Dissociation: Individuals may experience episodes of disconnection from reality, which can include depersonalization (feeling detached from one's body) or derealization (feeling that the world is unreal).
• Flashbacks and nightmares: Re-experiencing traumatic events can be a part of complex trauma, similar to PTSD.
• Hypervigilance: Constantly feeling on guard or easily startled.
• Physical symptoms: Chronic pain, gastrointestinal problems, and other physical symptoms are sometimes associated with complex trauma.

Treatment for complex trauma typically involves therapy, such as trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Medication may also be used to address specific symptoms like depression or anxiety.

Our mission is to help our clients align their body, mind and soul through the exploration and identification of their maladaptive behaviors, unproductive cognitive patterns, and traumatic history that may prevent them from living a life of personal fulfillment and purpose.