Complex Trauma

Complex trauma involves multiple exposures to adverse events over a persons life span. Complex Trauma can mimic symptoms of trauma listed below but is different than other types of trauma.

Trauma impacts the portion of the brain responsible for survival. Since trauma affects both the conscious and the unconscious mind it becomes difficult to feel anything that’s going on around you or determine what really matters.

Often complex trauma affects adults by creating relational difficulties, self-capacity difficulties, and creates dysfunctional behaviors.

Some symptoms of complex trauma include:

Change in self-concept

Distrust

Episodes of feeling detached or dissociated

Isolation, guilt, shame or a feeling of being totally different from others.

Helplessness

Hopelessness

Self-harm

The goal in treating Complex trauma is to restore self-awareness, presence, connection, and create a greater relationship with yourself.

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Counseling for Trauma

Most people will experience trauma in their lifetime whether it’s a car accident, abuse or neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent criminal act, exposure to the violence of war, or a natural disaster.

While many people can recover from trauma over time with the love and support of family and friends and bounce back with resiliency, others may discover effects of lasting trauma, which can cause a person to live with deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, or posttraumatic stress far after the event has passed.

In these circumstances, the support, guidance, and assistance of a therapist is fundamental to healing from trauma.

Trauma Symptoms

According to the four types of symptoms listed in the DSM-5

Avoidance Symptoms

Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event
Anxiety, depression, numbness, or guilt

Re-experiencing Symptoms

Intrusive thoughts, nightmares or flashbacks

Hyperarousal Symptoms

Anger, irritability, and hypervigilance
Aggressive, reckless behavior, including self-harm
Sleep disturbances

Negative Mood and Cognition Symptoms

Loss of interest in activities that were once considered enjoyable
Difficulty remembering details of the distressing event
Change in habits or behavior since the trauma

Research has proven psychotherapy to be the most effective form of treatment for trauma.

If you or someone you know experiences any of the trauma symptoms listed above, I am confident that I can help and invite you to contact me today for a free consultation.

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