What Is Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)?
Most people have heard of PTSD—Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder—as a condition that can develop after experiencing a traumatic event like a car accident, natural disaster, or combat. But what happens when the trauma isn’t just one event, but ongoing or repeated over time?
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is a form of trauma-related disorder that arises from chronic, long-term trauma, especially when that trauma occurs in childhood or in situations where escape or protection wasn’t possible. It’s commonly associated with experiences like:
Childhood emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
Neglect or abandonment
Domestic violence
Captivity, trafficking, or chronic exposure to war or displacement
Ongoing systemic oppression or institutional betrayal
How Is C-PTSD Different from PTSD?
While C-PTSD shares many symptoms with PTSD—such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance—it also includes additional challenges that stem from the complexity and duration of the trauma. Some key differences include:
Emotional dysregulation: Intense or unpredictable emotions that may feel hard to control
Negative self-concept: Persistent feelings of shame, guilt, or being "broken" or "worthless"
Relational difficulties: Difficulty trusting others, fear of closeness, or repeating harmful relationship patterns
C-PTSD can affect nearly every area of life, from work and relationships to physical health and self-image.
During our initial sessions, I often ask clients to complete the International Trauma Questionnaire. This tool helps identify whether someone is experiencing symptoms of PTSD or Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). Click here to view a copy of the assessment.
PTSD is a formally recognized diagnosis in the DSM-5, the official manual used in the United States to diagnose mental health conditions. While C-PTSD is not yet listed as an official diagnosis in the DSM-5, many trauma-informed therapists (myself included) recognize it and tailor treatment accordingly. C-PTSD is formally recognized by The ICD-11, which is a global standard for diagnostic health information published by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Common Signs and Symptoms of C-PTSD
People with C-PTSD may experience:
Chronic anxiety or depression
Difficulty managing anger or fear
Dissociation or feeling disconnected from one’s body or reality
Self-blame or inner criticism
Difficulty setting boundaries or saying no
Feeling unsafe even in safe situations
Many people don’t recognize these as trauma symptoms at first. They may think they’re just “too sensitive” or “not good enough.” In reality, these are very natural responses to long-term trauma.
Is Healing from C-PTSD Possible?
Yes—healing is absolutely possible. While the path can be complex, many people experience profound recovery and transformation with the right support. Therapy approaches such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), somatic therapy, and parts work can help individuals process what happened and reconnect with a sense of safety, identity, and self-worth.
Supportive relationships, body-based practices, and self-compassion also play a powerful role in recovery. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting what happened—it means finding freedom from its grip.
You’re Not Alone
If you recognize yourself in these descriptions, know this: you are not alone, and what you’re feeling makes sense. C-PTSD is a real, valid response to prolonged trauma—and help is available. Healing takes time, but it’s possible, and you don’t have to do it on your own.
As a trauma therapist, I specialize in helping individuals heal from the effects of Complex PTSD. Whether you're just beginning to explore your history or you’ve been in therapy before, I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space to help you understand your symptoms, reclaim your sense of self, and move toward lasting healing.
My approach integrates evidence-based trauma treatments such as:
EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help reprocess traumatic memories and reduce emotional triggers
Parts Work informed by Internal Family Systems and Ego State Therapy to gently explore different parts of yourself and restore inner harmony
Somatic Awareness to help reconnect with your body and build a sense of safety from within
Compassionate, relational support grounded in curiosity, consent, and trust
I provide online therapy for adults in Arizona, Washington, Oregon, and Massachusetts, making it easier to access trauma-informed care from the comfort of your home.
If you’re wondering whether therapy might help, I offer a free 20-minute consultation to talk about what you're needing and how I might support you.
