Complex Trauma (C-PTSD)

Complex Trauma Treatment

Complex Trauma or Complex PTSD is a response to repeated and cumulative experiences of trauma. This traumatization can happen over the course of months or years and can include emotional abuse, physical abuse, and/or sexual abuse, as well as domestic violence, exposure to war, human trafficking, and more. While there are circumstances in which adults develop C-PTSD (e.g. first responders like nurses, police officers, paramedics, and firefighters), it is most often seen in individuals who experienced repeated trauma during their childhood. 

Symptoms of Complex PTSD include 
  • Difficulty regulating affective impulses (e.g anger, self-destructive behaviors) 
  • Chronic sense of guilt, responsibility, difficulty with stress or intimacy 
  • Hopelessness or despair
  • Physical symptoms like dizziness or nausea
  • Reliving the traumatic event through nightmares or flashbacks 
  • Avoiding certain situations 
  • Changes in your beliefs and feelings about yourself or others 
  • Hyperarousal 
  • Dissociation, or feeling detached from your own body
  • Difficulty with relationships 

How is Complex Trauma treated?

Cognitive Beahvioural Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) can help individuals identify negative thought patterns and provide tools to replace them with more positive thoughts. Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) can help individuals learn how to better respond to stress and build stronger relationships. Additionally, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) can be helpful in treating Complex Trauma/C-PTSD as it can help desensitize individuals to traumatic memories and thoughts. 


If you’ve experienced any of the above symptoms, you may be suffering from Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). Contact us for a free 15 minute phone consultation to see how we can help and discuss possible trauma treatment. 


For steps in selecting the best Psychologist in Toronto, read here.

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