Understanding C-PTSD

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) can occur when someone experiences long-term, repeated trauma over time. Unlike PTSD, which often results from a single traumatic event, C-PTSD can develop after enduring ongoing abuse, neglect, or exposure to other harmful environments—especially in childhood or during formative years.

If you’re dealing with C-PTSD, you may feel like the trauma is woven into the very fabric of who you are. It’s not just about memories of what happened; it’s about how the trauma has shaped your sense of self, your relationships, and your view of the world.

You are not defined by your trauma, but understanding how it has affected you is the first step toward healing.

Signs and Symptoms

C-PTSD can present in a variety of ways, including:

• Chronic feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

• Difficulty trusting others, or feeling constantly unsafe

• Emotional numbness or detachment from reality

• Intense, often overwhelming emotional reactions, like anger or sadness

• Problems with memory or concentration

• Difficulty maintaining relationships, or feeling isolated from others

• A persistent sense of guilt or shame

• Avoiding reminders of trauma—but also struggling with persistent flashbacks

• Negative self-beliefs, such as “I am unworthy” or “I am broken”

These symptoms are your mind’s attempt to protect you from pain, but over time, they can prevent you from fully engaging in life. Therapy can help you work through these patterns and find new ways to feel more in control of your mind and body.

How Therapy Can Help

C-PTSD can feel overwhelming, but therapy provides an opportunity to break the cycle and start rebuilding your sense of safety, identity, and agency. Here’s how therapy can help:

• Process trauma: Together, we can unpack the long-term effects of past trauma and loosen its grip on your daily life.

• Build emotional regulation: Learn how to identify and manage overwhelming emotions so you can regain a sense of control.

• Rebuild trust: Work through relationship challenges and learn how to trust yourself and others again.

• Heal your sense of self: You’ll have the space to explore how your trauma has shaped your beliefs about yourself and work toward a more compassionate self-view.

• Create new patterns: Therapy will help you develop healthier ways of thinking, reacting, and being in the world.

We may incorporate various therapeutic methods such as DBT, EMDR, or Internal Family Systems (IFS), depending on what best supports you in breaking free from patterns of shame, isolation, and emotional overwhelm. You’ll never be pushed into a method you’re not comfortable with—it’s all about finding what works for you.

Your Path to Healing

C-PTSD recovery doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process that takes time, but each step forward is worth it. In therapy, we will work at your pace, creating a space where you can process past experiences, heal deep wounds, and rebuild a sense of hope and connection.

There is no one “right” way to heal from C-PTSD. We’ll find what helps you feel grounded and empowered, and together, we’ll take it from there. You’re not alone in this journey.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to begin or just want to learn more, reach out for a consultation or with any questions. Let’s talk about how therapy can help you move forward.