At some points in our lives we all experience trauma, and processing and grieving is a challenge we all face at different points in our lives. Yet for some people, they may need extra support in moving forward due to the traumatic memory or event happening not only once, but several times. This form of repeated trauma, which can feel as real as the first time it was experienced, is called complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPSTD).
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder develops after experiencing ongoing, repeated, or inescapable trauma over time, rather than as a single traumatic event. This may include: childhood emotional neglect; emotional, physical, or sexual abuse; domestic violence; bullying; chronic criticism; or growing up in an unpredictable or unsafe environment.
Unlike a one-time traumatic event, these repeated experiences can shape the way a person views themselves, relates to others, and responds to stress. People with complex trauma often struggle with overwhelming emotions, chronic shame, low sense of self-worth and self-esteem, difficulty trusting others, and feeling constantly on guard.
In contrast to CPTSD, PTSD is most often associated with a single traumatic event—sometimes referred to as a “Big T” trauma—such as a serious car accident, assault, military combat, or natural disaster.
Because these patterns have often developed over many years, healing can take time and typically involves addressing both the traumatic experiences and their impact on the nervous system, relationships, and sense of self.
Although complex PTSD is an official diagnosis in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), it is not currently recognized as a separate diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), which is the diagnostic system most commonly used by psychologists and psychiatrists in Canada and the United States. Instead, individuals may receive a diagnosis of PTSD, anxiety, depression, a dissociative disorder, or another trauma-related condition, even when their experiences closely resemble complex PTSD.
Regardless, many of these complex traumatic experiences continue to impact daily lives, relationships, work, and/or overall well-being. Some individuals recognize a history of prolonged trauma or neglect, while others simply feel stuck in patterns they cannot seem to change. Many people also find themselves repeating unhealthy relationship patterns, struggling to set boundaries, or feeling as though they are always in “survival mode.”
Regardless of the diagnosis, effective treatment is available for CPTSD. Therapy can help adults process traumatic experiences, regulate emotions, strengthen relationships, and rebuild a greater sense of safety, confidence, and self-compassion using evidence-based approaches such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed therapy, exposure therapy, and other trauma-informed therapies. Assertiveness training can also help people to heal from the past and better regulate and assert themselves in the present moment when feeling triggered by CPTSD symptoms.
If this complicated form of trauma is interfering with your ability to enjoy life, feel connected to others, or reach your personal or professional goals, therapy can help. Treatment from our entire team at Expressions Counselling focuses not only on reducing symptoms but also on understanding how your nervous system adapted to prolonged stress, helping you develop healthier coping strategies, process unresolved traumatic experiences, and build a greater sense of safety, resilience, and self-compassion.
To schedule your appointment with Expressions Counselling, you may:
Call (778) 229-0029
Email info@expressionscounselling.com
