Therapy in Colorado & Illinois
Complex PTSD
You might have an understanding of what happened to you and still find it affects
how you feel, your sense of safety, and your sense of self.
Understanding the term
What is Complex PTSD?
Complex PTSD, or C-PTSD, can develop from repeated or ongoing traumatic events, especially in relationships you couldn’t easily leave, like a parent or caregiver, family of origin.
C-PTSD shares the core symptoms of PTSD like reliving traumatic experiences as if they are happening now, avoiding reminders of the events, and an ever-present sense of threat.
C-PTSD includes additional symptoms of difficulty regulating and responding to emotions, a self-image shaped by shame or belief that something is fundamentally wrong with you, and difficulty feeling close in relationships
How C-PTSD shows up
C-PTSD can show up in all areas of life. These are examples of some ways people experience C-PTSD These examples below can have several causes and this is not a diagnostic checklist or assessment.
Sense of self
Shame that always shows up
Feeling like there is something wrong with you
Loud and constant inner critic
Relationships
Boundaries and expectations feel confusing and uncertain
Difficulty trusting some while trusting others too quickly
Working hard to meet everyone else’s needs first
Emotions
Feeling like your reactions to things are bigger than they need to be
Intense emotions last longer than you’d like. It’s hard to come down from them.
The body
Always on high alert
Feeling numb and checked out
You feel big physical reactions to everyday things like your stomach dropping when someone calls your name
How I work with
complex trauma
I use a relational approach when working with complex trauma. What was hurt in relationship may also heal in one. Trust is built between us thoughtfully and intentionally to serve the work.
Sense of Self
Identify the ways you live through shame. Uncover how it informs thoughts, decisions, and behaviors.
Relationships
Use our relationship to explore new relational beliefs and behaviors. Practice building a relationship that feels safe and consistent.
Emotions
Contextualize your experiences and expand your ability to tolerate difficult emotions.
The Body
Understand how past
experiences drive today’s physical sensations and responses.
If you want to focus on what’s happening in your relationships, check out relationship and attachment therapy