Complex PTSD
Complex PTSD is a special area of interest for me. Please note, I am not a specialist or expert in this area.
I plan to use this space to provide links to types of therapy and practitioners that I have found helpful and areas of research I come across that I find interesting.
It will be a constant work in progress!
What is CPTSD?
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SOURCE: https://www.ptsduk.org/what-is-ptsd/complex-ptsd/
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Both PTSD and C-PTSD result from the experience of something deeply traumatic and can cause flashbacks, nightmares, and insomnia. Both conditions can also make you feel intensely afraid and unsafe even though the danger has passed.
While PTSD is usually caused by a single traumatic event, C-PTSD is caused by multiple, long-lasting, repeated or continuous traumas.
C-PTSD results from many experiences, but some examples are:
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Repeated exposure to disaster, accidents, deaths or violent acts (including emergency service workers)
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Child abuse or neglect
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Frequent need to deliver traumatic news to others e.g doctors
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Living under severe threat for an extended period of time
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Being forced to be a sex worker
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Domestic abuse
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Cult membership
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Having to witness ongoing abuse or violence of another
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Regular and repeated exposure to verbal abuse, emotional abuse or threats
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Long-term exposure to bullying
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Kidnappings, hostage taking, prisoner of war
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Frequent sexual victimisation or abuse
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Regular, long-term feelings of captivation or powerlessness
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What are the symptoms of CPTSD?
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​SOURCE: https://www.ptsduk.org/what-is-ptsd/symptoms-of-ptsd/
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Symptoms of complex PTSD can vary, and they may change over time.
PTSD and C-PTSD have very similar symptoms but C-PTSD also has 3 additional categories of symptoms: difficulties with emotional regulation, an impaired sense of self-worth, and interpersonal problems which may manifest as some of the following (although it’s important to note that people with PTSD may also experience these):
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Difficulty controlling emotions.
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Preoccupation with an abuser.
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Negative self-view.
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Difficulty with relationships.
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Hopelessness
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Detachment from the trauma.
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Loss of a system of meanings - This can include losing one’s core beliefs, values, religious faith, or hope in the world and other people.
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Problems with self-esteem.
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What therapies can help?
Everyone is different. I have found that Complex PTSD is...well...complex and so can benefit from different approaches at different times. A holistic approach can help to address the many different ways it can impact life and start to change things for the better.
Cognitive Hypnotherapy
​Cognitive hypnotherapy can be really useful as it involves taking the memories that you have and changing them, rather than just talk about them. It also looks at the root memory that your other memories are stacked upon. A bit like the first block in a Jenga tower. Changing this root memory can bring the rest of the tower down and remove the power and intensity from your late memories.
In fact, if you prefer not to disclose your memories then we can work like that. You don't need to talk about it at all. Check out the Cognitive Hypnotherapy page above.
IEMT
​Integral eye movement therapy is great for lots of things but especially problems related to trauma. Because it's a non-disclosure therapy you don't have to to talk about the trauma, the feelings or the memories. Check out IEMT page above.
Neurofeedback
​Neurofeedback is a therapy that works directly with your brainwaves by putting three or four small sensors on your head that are connected to a computer. If that sounds scary..it's not! In practical terms you sit and watch a simple video on the computer for around 20 or 30 minutes while the computer and your brainwaves do their thing. The therapist will chat to you for a while to help them decide where to place the sensors on your head to help you the most in that session.
It can be helpful for many things but, personally, I found it useful together with Cog Hyp and IEMT.
I'm not a neurofeedback practitioner but fortunately I know someone who is. Dr Margaret Jordan is an incredible and well-trained therapist in so many areas but her use of neurofeedback is always innovative and responds to the client she's working with.
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https://www.clearmindneuro.com/
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TRE​ (Trauma release exercise)
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TRE is a really simple practice that can be done on your own at home or in a group. I would always advise, especially with trauma, to have a couple of sessions with a qualified practitioner before going it alone. It's gentle but can sometimes release some powerful feelings so it;s best to have someone experienced with you at first. Also, it's helpful to know that your are doing it correctly so you get the most of it.
What is it?....shaking, basically. You'll be lead through some simple exercises designed to help you shake more easily and then you'll lay down and be guided through how to allow your body to shake. It's a bit like a massage for your nervous system helping you to release the tension from your body that being in survival mode creates.
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Deborah Brown is a wonderful and kind practitioner and works in Brighton and online.
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Videos
Some thoughts on CPTSD as both a therapist and a human on the other side
There's definitely more to come and I'll add to this as I find it. Feel free to reach out if you have questions about any of the above. Getting help with CPTSD can feel like a maze or a swamp or something but there is a way through.
For peer support check out https://www.outofthestorm.website/