What is Complex Trauma?

“Complex Trauma” describes a particular type of trauma that goes beyond a one-time incident. It tends to:

• be repeated or ongoing;

• be difficult or impossible to escape from;

• occur within a personal relationship;

• begin in childhood, so that it affects a child’s development; and

• be covered up, kept secret or denied.

Common causes of Complex Trauma are child abuse and domestic violence. However, Complex Trauma is also seen among people who have survived imprisonment, torture or sex trafficking. Being a refugee or being exposed to long term conflict can also cause Complex Trauma.

- International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation

TREATMENT MODALITIES

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

NET (Narrative Exposure Therapy)

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

IFS (Internal Family Systems)

RESOURCES:

Books

What My Bones Know - Stephanie Foo

The Wisdom of Your Body - Hillary McBride

Journey Through Trauma - Gretchen Schmelzer

organizations

CPTSD Foundation

Beauty After Bruises

Tools

DBT Tools

Polyvagal Theory exercises