It takes a great deal of strength to be vulnerable, and it takes a lot more strength and courage to dig deep and meet those unresolved, niggling thoughts which seemingly spiral out of control at times, gripping you. For anyone reading this, give yourself some grace, and know that it is possible to get through this.
Complex trauma, by definition, refers to prolonged and repeated exposure to traumatic events, often occurring during childhood or early developmental stages. Unlike single-incident trauma, such as a car accident, complex trauma involves ongoing interpersonal trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or chronic violence. The cumulative impact of multiple traumatic experiences over an extended period can significantly affect an individual’s psychological, emotional, and social well-being.
While overcoming or dealing with trauma can often feel insurmountable, it is very much possible for individuals to embark on a journey towards recovery, resilience, and reclaiming their lives. In this piece, we’ll discuss some scenarios that can induce complex trauma, and how complex trauma therapy, be it something you choose to access in-person or by seeking trauma counselling online, can provide you with avenues to cope with the effects of trauma in a healthy way.
What Is Complex Trauma? Some Examples
Childhood Abuse and Neglect:
As part of our online trauma counselling interventions, we have observed that cases related to childhood abuse and neglect are forms of complex trauma that can occur within the family, community, or institutional settings. This includes physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, as well as neglect of basic needs. We have found that the consequences of such experiences can manifest in various ways, such as low self-esteem, impaired interpersonal relationships, emotional dysregulation, self-destructive behaviours, and even dissociation.
Prolonged Exposure to Violence:
Individuals who grow up or live in environments where violence is prevalent, such as high-crime neighbourhoods or war zones, are at risk of enduring complex trauma. People who connect with us for online trauma counselling often share that they have witnessed or experienced violence repeatedly, which has led to chronic feelings of fear, hypervigilance, and a sense of helplessness. The long-term effects may include anxiety disorders, depression, difficulty with trust and forming healthy relationships, and challenges with emotional regulation.
Surviving Natural Disasters:
Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods, can result in profound trauma for those who experience them. The sudden disruption of one’s environment, loss of loved ones, and the destruction of homes can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological difficulties. Survivors we’ve met through telehealth trauma therapy sessions report struggling with intrusive memories, nightmares, survivor guilt, and difficulties adapting to new circumstances.
Combat-Related Trauma:
We often speak to military personnel and veterans in our virtual trauma therapy sessions about combat situations they became exposed to, which in turn led them to experience complex trauma. The constant threat to their lives, witnessing violence and death, and the moral challenges associated with conflict can lead to severe psychological distress. Common symptoms include PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and difficulties reintegrating into civilian life. The impact can extend beyond the individual, affecting families and communities as well.
Long-Term Domestic Violence:
Individuals trapped in long-term domestic violence situations endure a unique form of complex trauma. The pervasive nature of the abuse, which may include physical, emotional, sexual, or financial violence, can have devastating consequences. Survivors who reach out to us via online trauma counselling often face feelings of shame, guilt, and dependency, making it difficult to escape the cycle of abuse. The trauma may result in symptoms such as complex PTSD, low self-esteem, self-blame, and difficulties forming trusting relationships.
How Complex Trauma Can Impact Someone’s Life
Complex PTSD (CPTSD), a condition related to enduring, repeated trauma such as prolonged abuse over longer periods, often manifests with similar symptoms to PTSD, but also includes significant emotional dysregulation, a persistent sense of worthlessness, and difficulties in relationships. Individuals with CPTSD may also exhibit chronic feelings of emptiness or hopelessness, and a distorted perception of their perpetrators, possibly attributing excessive power or malice to them.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
During virtual trauma therapy sessions, one of the most common psychological consequences we come across is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Individuals with complex trauma may experience intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and intense physiological reactions when triggered by reminders of the traumatic events. These symptoms can severely disrupt daily functioning, impair concentration, and lead to hypervigilance and exaggerated startle responses.
Dissociation
Another psychological effect of complex trauma we often come across during online trauma therapy is dissociation. Dissociation acts as a defence mechanism, allowing individuals to detach from overwhelming or traumatic experiences. Dissociative symptoms may include feeling detached from oneself, having gaps in memory, or experiencing an altered sense of reality. Dissociation can interfere with a person’s ability to form coherent narratives about their life experiences and contribute to a fragmented sense of self.
Depression and Anxiety
Depression and anxiety are also prevalent psychological consequences of complex trauma. Chronic exposure to traumatic events and the resulting emotional and physical distress can lead to persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. Additionally, individuals may develop anxiety disorders characterised by excessive worry, fear, and heightened arousal, making it challenging to engage in daily activities and maintain healthy relationships.
Emotional Consequences
Complex trauma can have a profound impact on an individual’s emotional well-being. Survivors of complex trauma often struggle with emotional regulation, experiencing intense and unpredictable emotions that can be overwhelming. This difficulty in regulating emotions can at times lead to impulsive behaviours and frequent mood swings.
Trust Issues
One of the more common outcomes we’ve come across whilst administering trauma counselling online is trust issues. The betrayal, abuse, or neglect endured during traumatic experiences can shatter people’s trust in others, making it challenging to form close and secure relationships. The fear of being hurt or betrayed again can lead to emotional withdrawal, avoidance of intimacy, and difficulties in developing deep connections with others.
Self-Esteem and Identity
Individuals affected by complex trauma may also face challenges with self-esteem and identity. Repeated traumatic experiences can erode one’s sense of self-worth and self-confidence. They may struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame, leading to a distorted self-perception and a diminished sense of identity.
Difficulty in forming relationships
Complex trauma can significantly impact an individual’s social and interpersonal functioning. Difficulty forming relationships is a common consequence, as individuals may struggle to trust others, fear vulnerability, or have difficulty understanding healthy boundaries. These challenges can lead to a pattern of unstable and unhealthy relationships characterised by codependency, hostility, or avoidance.
Social Isolation
Social isolation is another effect of complex trauma. Individuals may withdraw from social interactions, feeling disconnected from others and perceiving the world as unsafe. This isolation can intensify feelings of loneliness, exacerbate depressive symptoms, and hinder the development of a support network necessary for healing and recovery.
Struggles at work or school
Struggles at work or school are also common among those affected by complex trauma. The psychological and emotional consequences of trauma can interfere with concentration, memory, and cognitive functioning. This can lead to difficulties in academic or professional settings, impairing performance and hindering career advancement. Additionally, individuals may struggle with authority figures or experience challenges in maintaining stable employment due to interpersonal difficulties or emotional instability.
How Complex Trauma Therapy Can Help Someone Live More Freely
At Living Free Psychology, we utilise an array of therapy approaches for complex trauma in our virtual trauma therapy sessions, striving to create a safe and supportive environment that acknowledges the impact of trauma while helping individuals process and heal from their experiences. These approaches often incorporate evidence-based modalities, such as trauma-informed therapy, EMDR, CBT, and DBT. By integrating these approaches, individuals can find healing, regain control over their lives, and cultivate a sense of freedom and empowerment.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Trauma-informed therapy is a widely recognized approach that emphasises safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, and empowerment. It acknowledges the prevalence of trauma and its impact on an individual’s life, ensuring that therapy practices are sensitive to trauma-related issues. In Living Free Psychology’s online trauma therapy sessions, we work towards creating a safe space, validating the individual’s experiences, and helping them develop healthy coping strategies and resilience. This approach fosters a sense of control, choice, and autonomy, empowering individuals to actively engage in their healing process.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
EMDR is a specialised therapy technique designed to help individuals process and integrate traumatic memories. It involves bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, sounds, or taps, to facilitate the brain’s adaptive processing of traumatic experiences. By reprocessing distressing memories, EMDR aims to reduce the emotional and physiological distress associated with traumatic events. EMDR has shown effectiveness in reducing symptoms of PTSD and facilitating emotional healing, allowing individuals to live more freely without being constantly haunted by the past.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a goal-oriented therapy that focuses on identifying and modifying maladaptive thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours. In the context of complex trauma, CBT helps individuals challenge negative self-perceptions, distorted thinking patterns, and self-blame associated with traumatic experiences. By examining the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, CBT empowers individuals to develop healthier coping strategies, improve emotional regulation, and build resilience. This therapy approach equips individuals with the tools and skills necessary to navigate their daily lives more effectively and regain control over their thoughts and behaviours.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a therapeutic approach originally developed for individuals with borderline personality disorder, but it has also shown effectiveness in treating complex trauma. DBT combines elements of cognitive-behavioural therapy with mindfulness practices and focuses on enhancing emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and self-acceptance. Through individual therapy, skills training groups, and phone coaching, DBT helps individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms, navigate interpersonal challenges, and regulate intense emotions. By building a repertoire of adaptive skills, individuals can experience greater emotional stability, improved relationships, and a sense of personal freedom.
Alternative Therapies (Art, Music, Yoga)
Alternative therapies, including art therapy, music therapy, and yoga, can be valuable adjuncts to traditional therapeutic approaches. Art therapy provides a creative outlet for individuals to express and process their emotions and experiences nonverbally. Music therapy utilises music and sound to promote relaxation, emotional expression, and connection. Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and mindfulness to support individuals in reconnecting with their bodies and regulating their nervous systems. These alternative therapies offer individuals additional avenues for healing, self-expression, and self-care. They can enhance emotional well-being, reduce stress, and promote a sense of empowerment and freedom.
At Living Free Psychology, we are dedicated to providing compassionate care and evidence-based therapies. Our experienced team supports your mental well-being and personal growth. If you feel that you’re ready to embark on a journey of healing, please feel free to reach out and schedule an appointment. Remember – it does get better, and then you can thrive.
FAQs
Complex trauma differs from other forms of trauma due to its chronic and repetitive nature. Traditional trauma typically involves a single event or a short-term experience, while complex trauma involves prolonged, often interpersonal, trauma over an extended period. Complex trauma is often characterised by multiple traumatic incidents, such as childhood abuse, neglect, or ongoing exposure to violence. Its impact is far-reaching, affecting various aspects of an individual's life, including emotional, cognitive, and relational functioning.
Yes, age can influence the manifestation and effects of complex trauma. Children who experience complex trauma may develop disruptions in their attachment and emotional regulation, leading to developmental delays, behavioural problems, and difficulties with trust and forming relationships. Adolescents may exhibit high-risk behaviours, self-harm, or engage in substance abuse as coping mechanisms. Adults who have experienced complex trauma may struggle with interpersonal relationships, have difficulties with emotional regulation, and experience mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Yes, complex trauma can be effectively treated with appropriate therapeutic interventions. Trauma-focused therapies, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), have been shown to be effective in addressing complex trauma. These therapies aim to help individuals process traumatic memories, develop coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and rebuild a sense of safety and trust. It is important to work with a qualified mental health professional experienced in trauma to receive the most effective treatment.
The duration of complex trauma therapy varies depending on several factors, including the severity and complexity of the trauma, the individual's readiness for therapy, and their progress throughout the treatment process. Based on our experience with undertaking telehealth trauma therapy sessions, it is usually a longer-term process, as it involves addressing deep-rooted issues and developing new coping mechanisms. While some individuals may experience improvements within a few months, others may require therapy for a year or more. In virtual trauma therapy, we work collaboratively with the individual to determine the appropriate duration of therapy and make adjustments as needed.
Yes, there are self-help strategies that can complement professional treatment for managing complex trauma symptoms. These include self-care, seeking a support network, learning more about complex trauma, journaling one’s thoughts and feelings, and grounding exercises. These aren’t a substitute for professional intervention, however, so seeking support from a qualified therapist is crucial for comprehensive healing and recovery from complex trauma.
