Complex PTSD & Counselling
What is Complex PTSD and How Does Counselling Help?
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is a condition that arises from prolonged or repeated exposure to trauma, often during childhood or over an extended period of time, such as in cases of ongoing abuse, captivity, or living in a war zone. Unlike traditional PTSD, which is typically triggered by a single traumatic event, C-PTSD involves more persistent, pervasive symptoms that can affect a person’s sense of self, relationships, and emotional regulation.
The symptoms of complex PTSD often include:
Emotional Dis-regulation: Difficulty managing emotions such as anger, sadness, or anxiety.
Negative Self-Perception: Feelings of shame, guilt, or worthlessness.
Relational Difficulties: Trouble trusting others or forming healthy relationships.
Intrusive Memories: Flashbacks or nightmares related to past trauma.
Dissociation: A feeling of detachment from the body or reality, often as a coping mechanism during times of stress.
Hyper-vigilance: Constantly being “on edge,” feeling unsafe, or easily startled.
Because complex PTSD stems from prolonged trauma, it can deeply affect a person’s emotional, social, and mental well-being, making it harder to process feelings and maintain stable relationships.
How Counselling Helps with Complex PTSD
Counselling plays a critical role in healing from complex PTSD by providing a safe, supportive environment where individuals can process their trauma, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and rebuild their sense of self. Several therapeutic approaches can be beneficial:
Trauma-Focused Therapy: A therapist can help individuals confront and process painful memories in a gradual, controlled way. Techniques like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) are commonly used to reframe traumatic memories and reduce their emotional charge.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT helps people identify and challenge the negative thought patterns that arise from trauma, such as feelings of worthlessness or irrational fears. It can help reframe these patterns into healthier perspectives.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): This approach is especially effective for those with emotional dis-regulation. DBT teaches individuals skills to manage intense emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and practice mindfulness.
Psychodynamic Therapy: This type of therapy explores the underlying causes of emotional distress, helping individuals understand how past trauma shapes current behaviour and thought patterns.
Building Emotional Resilience: Counselling can help develop emotional tools to cope with the triggers and flashbacks that often accompany C-PTSD. This includes grounding techniques, relaxation exercises, and mindfulness practices.
Safe Relationship Building: Therapy offers the chance to form a trusting, therapeutic relationship with a counsellor, helping clients gradually rebuild trust in others and themselves.
Restoring a Sense of Control: In the aftermath of trauma, individuals often feel powerless. Counselling can guide individuals in regaining control over their emotions, choices, and life, helping them to feel empowered in their healing journey.
In summary, complex PTSD can significantly impact a person’s life, but counselling offers crucial support by providing therapeutic strategies to process trauma, manage emotional distress, and heal. Through consistent, compassionate guidance, therapy helps individuals reclaim their lives, regain their sense of self, and develop healthier ways of interacting with the world around them.