Complex PTSD (cPTSD) has gone from being mostly unknown to frequently talked about, but there are some important things to know about complex PTSD treatment, especially if you suspect you might have complex trauma.
PTSD was first recognized in the DSM (Diagnostics and Statistics Manual used for diagnosing mental health conditions) in 1980 (for reference click here). The research that led to the diagnosis came from research with veterans. Complex PTSD however still does not appear in the DSM, but the current edition of the ICD does include the diagnosis (for reference click here.)
The lag in diagnosis is important and is why so many trauma treatments have been thoroughly researched for what we call single incident traumas, but not for complex, repeating experiences of trauma. Complex PTSD is mostly seen in those who survived childhood abuse or neglect, though it can also be seen in survivors of genocide, prisoners of war, or others who experience ongoing and repeated trauma over an extended period of time.
Why does this matter?
1. Treating cPTSD is not the same as treating PTSD
The first reason this matters is because the complex PTSD treatment and PTSD treatment differ, sometimes significantly. Most early trauma research was done with war veterans. Many of those early research participants had lived ordinary, well supported lives before their war experiences and those who recovered best had experienced only a few incidences that remained distressing to them. While the impact of even a single incident of trauma can be severe, for those with the support and resources of a healthy childhood, a supportive family, and good coping mechanisms healing can feel fairly linear with the rights supports (such as EMDR, Brainspotting, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and other trauma therapies).
Those who suffer from cPTSD often have a very different story and complex PTSD treatment must adapt to that. For survivors of childhood abuse and neglect there isn’t a storehouse of healthy copying strategies, healthy milestones, or supportive relationships to lean on. Children who have been abused and neglected have been betrayed by the people they relied on for their safety. When something difficult happens to a child who did not know safety as a child they have fewer resources, less safety, and the process of recovery becomes much more complicated.
If that sounds familiar, if you routinely felt unsafe as a child, or as if there was something wrong with you, if you did not get your needs met and now you wonder why life feels so hard: hear me when I say, you aren’t alone and healing is possible.
2. It is never “just” neglect
If you have ever heard someone dismiss their experience as “just” neglect, not abuse, you might be surprised to learn that neglect in childhood has been established as deeply harmful to the developing nervous system, and the long term emotional well-being of the child who experienced abuse, well into adulthood (see reference here).
There is no such thing as “just” neglect. Children are entirely dependent on their care givers for their needs to be met. When those needs go unmet consistently damage is done to the child’s sense of self worth, trust that their needs will be met, and feelings of safety. Early experiences of neglect tend to complicate developmental challenges and can show up in a variety of ways in adulthood. The key is this: abuse and neglect are both damaging to a child, there’s no “just” to neglect!
3. Treatment is possible!
The good news about complex PTSD treatment is that it is possible. If you suspect you might be experiencing the impacts of complex, repeated trauma know that change can happen. Every person is different, and every path to healing is different but for those with cPTSD there are options. Trauma therapies like EMDR can be powerful tools, but it is important to note that for those with cPTSD healing is often not linear.
If you had lived an otherwise well supported life, whose needs were consistently met “well enough” in childhood and you experienced a single trauma (like a terrifying car accident) the treatment might involve just a few session of EMDR over a few weeks. The key difference in cPTSD is in the name: when your experience of trauma has been complex and repeated the path to healing is more complicated and less linear.
cPTSD treatment often requires the slow building of a trusted relationship with your therapist where you can re-experience care and rebuild attachment experiences in a healthy environment. You will also build resources and resilience, learning tools for emotional regulation, strengthening the ego, and learning to care for yourself in a new and healthy way. Trauma processing will also take longer. Depending on your experience healing from cPTSD can take years, but healing does not have to be complete to create a real difference in your life!
Complex PTSD Treatment in Washington State
Do you suspect complex PTSD treatment could be helpful for you? If you are in Washington state (or locally in Shoreline, Edmonds, or North Seattle) I specialize in complex PTSD treatment. Because your PTSD is complex the approach I use is equally robust and versatile: including attachment informed EMDR, parts work, and analytical psychology (Jungian therapy).
Ready to get started? Find out about cost, location, and book a consultation by clicking here.
