I've worked extensively with individuals navigating the complex terrain of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD). These conditions can have profound impacts on one's emotional, psychological, and physical well-being, often manifesting in a range of symptoms that extend beyond the typical scope of trauma-related distress.
PTSD is a condition that develops in response to experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This could include natural disasters, accidents, combat, or interpersonal violence. Individuals with PTSD often experience symptoms such as intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance of triggers associated with the traumatic event.
However, what sets C-PTSD apart is the presence of additional symptoms that stem from prolonged, repeated trauma, particularly in interpersonal relationships or environments where the individual feels powerless or trapped. C-PTSD can arise from experiences such as childhood abuse, neglect, ongoing domestic violence, or captivity.
The hallmark symptoms of C-PTSD include:
Emotional Dysregulation: Individuals may struggle to regulate their emotions, experiencing intense mood swings, impulsivity, or difficulty managing anger and frustration.
Distorted Self-Perception: Chronic trauma can lead to a distorted sense of self, often accompanied by feelings of shame, guilt, worthlessness, or a pervasive sense of emptiness.
Interpersonal Difficulties: Trauma can impact one's ability to form and maintain healthy relationships, leading to issues such as distrust, fear of intimacy, and difficulty setting boundaries.
Somatization: Somatic symptoms, such as chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, or autoimmune disorders, may arise as the body's response to unresolved trauma stored in the nervous system.
As a somatic trauma therapist, I approach the treatment of PTSD and C-PTSD from a holistic perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Somatic therapy techniques focus on accessing and releasing trauma stored in the body, allowing individuals to process their experiences on a physiological level.
Through modalities such as mindfulness, breathwork, body awareness exercises, and somatic experiencing, clients can learn to regulate their nervous system responses, cultivate resilience, and reclaim a sense of safety and agency in their bodies.
It's essential to understand that healing from PTSD and C-PTSD is a journey that requires patience, compassion, and commitment. By acknowledging the impact of trauma on both the mind and body, individuals can embark on a path towards holistic recovery and reclaiming their sense of wholeness.
If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD or C-PTSD, know that support and resources are available. Seeking guidance from a qualified somatic trauma therapist can be a vital step towards healing and reclaiming your life from the grip of trauma. You are not alone, and there is hope for healing and transformation.