Complex trauma, also called C-PTSD, is a type of trauma that has a profound impact on the nervous system, making the symptoms of this condition markedly different to those experienced in traditional PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
Trauma, as commonly understood, often develops after a single overwhelming event, such as a physical assault or a minor accident.
Often referred to as single-event trauma, this type of trauma occurs when the brain and body struggle to transition out of “fight, flight, or freeze” mode, making it difficult to return to a state of calm and safety.
Complex trauma
While PTSD or single-event trauma can stem from a one-off distressing incident, complex trauma arises from repeated or prolonged exposure to traumatic experiences – often occurring over months or even years.
These events may include the following:
- Prolonged exposure to domestic violence.
- Chronic physical or emotional abuse.
- Incarceration.
- Kidnapping.
- Childhood trauma, including chronic abuse, neglect or abandonment from your parents or caregivers.
- Medical abuse or medical trauma.
- Living in a war zone.
- Parentification occurs when a child assumes the role of the parent(s). For instance, a child may assume the role of looking after their siblings or one or both parents.
- Community violence.
- Racism, discrimination and war.
Symptoms of complex trauma
Individuals with complex trauma may struggle with a range of different symptoms that affect their daily living and ability to function, including:
- Flashbacks related to the traumatic event or series of events.
- Anxiety or hyperarousal.
- Emotional numbness (part of the freeze response.)
- Uncontrollable rage or anger.
- Memory lapses.
- Dissociation and depersonalisation.
- A distorted sense of self.
- Avoidance. This may include avoiding anything that reminds you of the traumatic event, such as people, places, objects and memories.
- Persistent relationship problems due to a lack of trust, anger, or not being present with those you care about.
- Not feeling safe in your body or the world around you.
- Substance abuse to cope with difficult or painful emotions.
These are just some of the symptoms of complex trauma.
If you recognise any of the symptoms mentioned in this article in yourself or someone you know, remember you are not alone.
It’s crucial to seek the guidance of a trauma-informed professional, as they can help you establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
This step is a significant part of the journey towards healing and can provide you with the necessary support and understanding you may need to move forward.
From surviving to thriving: Reclaiming your life after complex trauma
Complex trauma is a deeply intricate mental health disorder that can have a profound impact on your life.
However, recovery is possible, and with the proper guidance and support, you can learn to survive and thrive, no matter what you may have been through.
Remember, you are not defined by your past, but by your resilience and strength.
Reclaiming your life after complex trauma is an empowering journey that begins with seeking professional help and support.
The decision to seek treatment puts you in the driver’s seat of your recovery, giving you the tools and guidance you need to heal and ultimately thrive.
A good trauma programme focuses on integrating specific therapies and treatment modalities to give you the best chance at lasting recovery, which Camino Recovery offers at our treatment centre in Spain.
To give you a comprehensive understanding of what a successful trauma treatment programme should involve, below are some of the therapies and approaches we offer as part of our all-encompassing recovery plan:
- Behavioural therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) can help you explore and address maladjusted thoughts, beliefs and behaviours tied to your traumatic history. Behavioural therapy teaches you to reframe your experiences so you can view them in new, more empowering ways.
- Body-based treatments like EMDR (eye movement desensitisation reprocessing) and somatic experiencing are effective trauma therapies designed to help you reprocess traumatic memories and release stored tension from your body. Once released, these memories no longer cause such distress; however, you can still think about them without becoming overwhelmed or needing to numb your feelings through drugs, alcohol or other destructive behaviours.
- Holistic wellness programme. Our wellness programme provides several techniques and strategies to help you reconnect with yourself and regain balance and control in your life. These therapies include yoga, massage therapy, mindfulness meditation, energy work, acupuncture, and hiking in nature trails. These approaches can help recalibrate your nervous system and allow you to feel more emotionally regulated.
Other techniques to help you reclaim your life after complex trauma
Recovering from complex trauma is a deeply personal and nuanced journey.
Whether you’ve experienced estrangement from your early caregivers, bullying, the sudden loss of a loved one or any form of abuse over a long period, it is possible for you to reclaim your life, foster resilience, and regain control over your future.
Your past doesn’t define your capacity for joy, and although it may not always feel like it, you have the strength and power within you to overcome past challenges or difficulties.
In addition to the above, there are further strategies you can use to help you navigate your unique journey to trauma recovery.
These include:
1. Self-compassion
Shame is an integral part of complex trauma where individuals may feel as though they are broken or flawed in some way.
Their past experiences have resulted in belief systems that not only instil guilt and self-blame but also false narratives such as” I am a bad person.”
Complex trauma is built on the foundation of self-criticism, but recovery begins with self-compassion.
Practising self-love and forgiving yourself for past mistakes—all those things that were outside your control—is imperative and can help you cultivate self-compassion, which ultimately creates the foundation for healing and recovery.
Below are a few ways you can learn to practice self-compassion:
- Write a supportive letter to yourself. This may include acknowledging all the challenges you have overcome and any progress you have made along the way. Expressing gratitude toward yourself for your strength and resilience may also be helpful.
- Practice daily affirmations. Begin each new day with a positive affirmation like “I am worthy of love, respect, and healing. I only allow positivity into my thoughts and into my life.”
2. Set healthy boundaries
Boundary setting is crucial for those in recovery from complex trauma.
Many trauma survivors have been living in people-pleasing mode (fawn) for a long time, some their entire lives, so creating boundaries with others can be an incredibly empowering and cathartic thing for them to do.
Creating limits between yourself and others can help protect your mental (and physical) well-being and teach others to treat you with respect.
You can begin setting boundaries by:
- Writing down what you are willing to do and unwilling to do. These are your non-negotiables, so it’s important to be clear and concise about what they are.
- Begin by (politely) declining a specific request or invite without guilt or remorse.
3. Build a support system
Having a strong support system of family, friends, and community can help you stay accountable and connected as you navigate recovery.
Connecting with people who share your experiences helps you avoid isolation and allows you to develop a sense of agency over your healing journey as you draw on the strength of those around you.
Some practical ways to achieve this may include:
- Connecting with trusted friends or relatives – sharing your experiences with those you can rely on can help you feel more supported and grounded as you go through the different phases of trauma recovery.
- Joining a support group – explore online communities or local support groups focusing on trauma recovery.
4. Educate yourself about complex trauma
As mentioned, complex trauma is a profoundly intricate condition with symptoms that often overlap other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety or PTSD.
Educating yourself about complex trauma, how it affects survivors, how it presents, and effective treatments in today’s climate can be incredibly helpful for those living with the condition.
Understanding how complex trauma affects both the mind and body is integral and can help you track your triggers and symptoms more easily.
You may find exploring resources and material about complex trauma helpful, such as Bessel van der Kolk’s The Body Keeps the Score or Peter A. Levine’s Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma.
Keeping a log of your triggers can also be helpful. This may include situations that cause you anxiety or distress and the coping mechanisms you use to manage them.
The value of a holistic approach in trauma recovery
Since trauma resides in the limbic part of the brain, survivors must be offered a holistic approach to recovery.
This approach involves talk therapy, which addresses the thinking part of the brain, and somatic therapies, which address the emotional part of the brain (the limbic system.)
By addressing both aspects, this approach offers hope for a comprehensive recovery from the lasting imprints of complex trauma.
At Camino Recovery, we provide an individualised approach to healing, offering a range of trauma-informed treatments that address the emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of recovery.
Our multidisciplinary team, consisting of experienced therapists, medical professionals, and holistic practitioners, is always looking at ways to expand our knowledge in the ever-evolving
field of complex trauma.
We are continuously engaging in trauma training programmes that allow us to recognise the often hidden symptoms of trauma that may disrupt or limit our clients’ lives.
Each member of our team brings a unique perspective and expertise, contributing to a comprehensive and effective treatment plan for trauma survivors.
By understanding how trauma impacts the different aspects of an individual, we are better able to treat clients holistically, offering them hope and optimism for a brighter, healthier future.
Contact us today for further help and support or to learn more about our trauma programmes.
We are here and ready to help.
