What is Complex Post Traumatic Stress disorder?
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (complex PTSD, sometimes abbreviated to c-PTSD or CPTSD or developmental trauma and asscociated in with generational trauma), is a condition where you experience some symptoms of PTSD along with some additional symptoms, such as:
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difficulty controlling your emotions
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feeling very angry or distrustful towards the world
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constant feelings of emptiness or hopelessness
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feeling as if you are permanently damaged or worthless
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feeling as if you are completely different to other people
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feeling like nobody can understand what happened to you
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avoiding friendships and relationships, or finding them very difficult
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often experiencing dissociative symptoms such as depersonalisation or derealisation
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physical symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, chest pains and stomach aches
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regular suicidal feelings.
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Complex PTSD is believed to be caused by repetitive abuse or neglect over a long period of time. The abuse often occurs at vulnerable times in a person's life—such as early childhood or adolescence—and can create lifelong challenges.
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Traumatic stress can have a number of effects on the brain. Research suggests that trauma is associated with lasting changes in key areas of the brain including the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex.
PTSD vs. Complex PTSD
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Both PTSD and Complex 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. However, despite these similarities, there are characteristics that differentiate Complex PTSD from PTSD according to some experts.
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The main difference between the two disorders is the frequency of the trauma. While PTSD is caused by a single traumatic event, Complex PTSD is caused by long-lasting trauma that continues or repeats for months, even years..
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Unlike PTSD, which can develop regardless of what age you are when the trauma occurred, Complex PTSD is typically the result of childhood trauma.
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When it comes to Complex PTSD, the harmful effects of oppression and racism can add layers to complex trauma experienced by individuals. This is further compounded if the justice system is involved.
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The psychological and developmental impacts of complex trauma early in life are often more severe than a single traumatic experience—so different, in fact, that many experts believe that the PTSD diagnostic criteria don't adequately describe the wide-ranging, long-lasting consequences of Complex PTSD.
Trauma informed Counselling
Trauma-informed counseling or therapy is an approach that is sensitive to the impacts of trauma on an individual's mental and emotional well-being. Trauma can refer to any experience that overwhelms a person's ability to cope and can include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, natural disasters, accidents, or other traumatic events.
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Trauma-informed therapy aims to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals who have experienced trauma. The therapist works collaboratively with the individual to identify and address the impact of trauma on their mental and emotional health. This approach prioritizes the individual's autonomy and helps them to regain control of their live
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The importance of using a trauma-informed therapist cannot be overstated. Trauma can have long-lasting effects on a person's mental and emotional health, and if not addressed appropriately, it can lead to a range of problems, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
A therapist who is not trained in trauma-informed care may unintentionally re-traumatize an individual by not understanding how to approach and manage their symptoms.
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A trauma-informed therapist, on the other hand, is trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma and to provide appropriate support and interventions to help individuals work through their experiences. They use a range of evidence-based techniques, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy or dialectical behaviour therapy to help individuals process and cope with their trauma.
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In short, if you have experienced trauma, it is crucial to seek out a trauma-informed therapist who can provide the support and guidance you need to heal and move forward. This approach to therapy can be life-changing for those who have experienced trauma, and it is an essential step towards restoring their sense of safety, autonomy, and well-being.
Group therapy book club
Welcome to the Online CPTSD
Group Therapy Book Club!
Are you on a journey of healing from Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)? Looking for an affordable and supportive way to explore healing techniques and insights? Look no further! Our CPTSD Group Therapy Book Club offers a unique opportunity for collective learning and growth.
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What We Offer:
- Affordable Alternative: Group therapy book club sessions are an affordable alternative to one-on-one counselling or closed group therapy.
- Informed Discussions: Dive deep into informative books on healing trauma together in a group setting.
- Supportive Environment: Share emotions and feelings as they arise while reading and receive support in processing them. Group therapy fosters relational healing, providing a safe space to develop trust, empathy, and interpersonal skills crucial for overcoming trauma.
- Structured Sessions: Sessions are one hour long, held every Wednesday from 4pm to 5pm PST, at just $10 each.
- Continuous Learning: Join in at any time. Catch up on the reading and jump right in!
- Engagement: Engage in detailed discussions, ask questions, and share insights with fellow members.
- Convenient Booking: Book your spot for Wednesday sessions in advance. Cut-off to book online is 24 hours before each session. If you miss the deadline, simply email us, and we'll manually add you.
- Private Web Group: Gain access to a private web group where you can interact with other members, share posts, and receive updates on required reading before each session.
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- Led by Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist: Rest assured, our group sessions are facilitated by a certified and trained clinical trauma specialist counsellor, dedicated to providing expert guidance and support throughout your healing journey.
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Join us on this empowering journey of healing and growth. Together, we can navigate the complexities of trauma and emerge stronger. Book your spot now and embark on the path to healing with us!
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