Complex Trauma

Complex trauma is, well, complex. It is trauma that is repetitive and has a cumulative effect. Complex trauma most often is a result of the direct harm, exploitation, and maltreatment including neglect, or abandonment by primary caregivers or other responsible adults. Complex traumatic events often occur at developmentally vulnerable times in the victim's life, especially in early childhood or adolescence, but can also occur later in life.

 

A child with parents, who are unable or unwilling to provide safe enough attachment, has no one to whom they can bring their whole developing self. No one is there for reflection, validation and guidance. No one is safe enough to go to for comfort or help in times of trouble. There is no one to cry to, to protest unfairness to, to seek commiseration from for hurts, mistakes, accidents, and betrayals. No one is safe enough to shine with, to do “show and tell” with, to be reflected as a subject of pride…to even practice the all important intimacy-building skills of conversation - From the book "Complex PTSD - From Surviving to Thriving."

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The lack of parental affection, support, consistency, and attention in crucial times of development can to lead to a number of issues in adulthood, specifically in relationships. Those who have experienced complex traumatic events can often lack self esteem, have enormous inner critics, and insecure attachment styles.

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Therapy can be crucial in healing complex trauma. In therapy you can talk about what happened to you and try to make sense of it, while increasing awareness of our triggers and defense mechanisms.

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Therapy can help you identify and understand your inner critic. It can also help you manage emotional flashbacks that are a result of complex trauma.

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