Complex Trauma
Trauma and Complex Trauma: What is the difference and what does that mean for healing?
Trauma
Definition: The broad definition of trauma is: An impact on the central nervous system due to an overwhelming event that alters how we recall and process memories, including photographic, emotional, and somatic memories. This often occurs most often when overwhelming experiences were experienced alone or in a state helplessness.
Symptoms: Symptoms of trauma can include shock, denial, anxiety, depression, flashbacks, difficulty concentrating, irritability, sudden mood shifts and disturbances in sleep or appetite. These symptoms may subside over time but can persist and develop into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) if not addressed.
Impact: The impact of trauma can be profound but is often limited to specific reactions related to the traumatic event. However, the longer the trauma goes without being resolved, the impact of the trauma will become more generalized. With appropriate support and treatment, individuals can often recover and heal from a traumatic event in a short amount of time utilizing therapeutic interventions such as EMDR and Somatic Sensory Experiencing Therapy.
Complex Trauma
Definition: Complex trauma, also known as Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), refers to the prolonged exposure to repetitive and multiple traumatic events, often occurring in interpersonal contexts, such as in ongoing abuse, neglect, or exploitation. C-PTSD most often develops due to traumatic events occurring during development, in close relationships, and connected to experiences of helplessness and feeling alone.
Symptoms: The symptoms of complex trauma are more pervasive and can include severe emotional dysregulation, dissociation, difficulties with self-identity, distrust in relationships, chronic feelings of worthlessness or shame, and difficulty with emotional regulation and impulse control.
Impact: The impact of complex trauma is extensive, affecting multiple areas of a person's life, including their ability to form and maintain healthy relationships, their sense of self-worth, and their overall functioning.
Treating Complex Trauma vs. Trauma
Healing from complex trauma often requires a longer, more intensive therapeutic process that addresses both the trauma and its widespread effects on the individual's development and personality. While both trauma and complex trauma can benefit from many different therapeutic interventions, complex trauma often requires a more nuanced and multi-faceted approach, addressing issues related to attachment wounds, varied impact of each traumatic event, grief, and current life challenges and difficulties. A therapist trained in complex trauma will have knowledge of development, the way the brain and nervous system orient and respond to ensure survival, understand traumatic responses, and have skills and knowledge in multiple therapeutic modalities.
At Logos, we specialize in guiding indivdiuals with trauma and complex trauma into deeper healing and freedom. Our therapist receive training in the concepts of IFS and Ego-State Work, Somatic Experiencing, Experiential Therapy, EMDR, Interpersonal Neurobiology, AEDP (attachment modality), Psychodrama and many more.
If you believe you may have trauma or complex trauma, reach out to us for a free consultation and we would love to help you experience more freedom and healing.