Childhood Trauma (C-PTSD)

C-PTSD (complex post-traumatic stress disorder) can be the outcome of being repeatedly exposed to ‘trauma’ as we grow up. When we use the word ‘trauma’, we often think of it as an experience eventuating from something like war, or accident, or violent assault. Indeed, trauma includes any event where we are unable to make sense of it at the time, which then ‘wounds our sense of safety and well-being’ (Lovett, 1999). When events happen over and over it is said to be cumulative, and which then may develop into Complex PTSD, or C-PTSD. Usually this starts in childhood – but sometimes this also happens when we are adults.

C-PTSD can cause a lot of issues in one’s life such as being drawn into unhealthy relationships or having self-doubt and feelings of low self-worth as we struggle with understanding our experiences and who we are. Sometimes it leads us to self-medicating and addictive behaviours such as drugs, alcohol, and food, to name a few. Sometimes it leaves us not able to keep down jobs or friendships. Sometimes it also means there are parts of our childhood we simply cannot remember.

These are just a few descriptions of how childhood trauma can affect us in adulthood. And not everybody who goes through childhood trauma will be diagnosed with C-PTSD. Usually, someone decides to come to therapy when they feel ‘something isn’t right’, or feel they just aren’t handling things in their life, which is then impacting on happiness and well-being.

Satori offers a calm and welcoming space to gently explore these feelings and emotions. Once we understand and prepare to resolve our wounds from the past, we can gain an awareness of how to process the pain in the present, and move towards the path to self-understanding, self-compassion, and healing.

Please reach out if you would like to know more or if you would like to make an appointment. We have provided some good resources which may be helpful below.

Reference
Lovett, J. M.D. 1999. Small wonders: Healing childhood trauma with EMDR. The Free Press. New York.