What Is Complex PTSD (CPTSD) — and How Can You Heal?

28 May

If you’ve ever asked yourself,
“Why do I feel stuck even though the trauma is over?”
— you’re not alone.

Complex PTSD (CPTSD) is a lesser-known but very real response to ongoing, repeated trauma — especially in childhood. Unlike single-incident trauma, CPTSD affects your sense of identity, safety, and emotional regulation in long-lasting ways.

In this post, we’ll cover:

What is Complex PTSD?
How CPTSD differs from PTSD
Common signs and symptoms
Where it comes from
How it impacts daily life
How EMDR and other therapies can help

What Is Complex PTSD?

Complex PTSD (also called C-PTSD) is a psychological condition caused by prolonged or repeated trauma — particularly in situations where a person feels powerless, trapped, or emotionally unsafe.

It’s common in individuals who’ve experienced:

Childhood emotional neglect or abuse
Domestic violence
Bullying
Repeated abandonment
Loss of a caregiver
Living in unsafe or chaotic environments

CPTSD goes beyond the typical PTSD symptoms like flashbacks or nightmares — it deeply impacts how we see ourselves, others, and the world.

How Is CPTSD Different From PTSD?

PTSDComplex PTSDCaused by a single traumatic eventCaused by chronic or repeated traumaSymptoms: flashbacks, hypervigilance, nightmaresSymptoms: PTSD plus emotional dysregulation, shame, and difficulty with relationshipsEasier to identify and treatOften misdiagnosed or misunderstood

Signs of Complex PTSD

Do these feel familiar?

Ongoing feelings of shame or guilt
Difficulty regulating emotions (anger, sadness, fear)
Chronic anxiety or feeling "on edge"
Deep-rooted feelings of worthlessness
Trouble trusting others
Avoiding closeness or always fearing abandonment
Feeling stuck in the past or like “something’s wrong with me”

These patterns aren’t personality flaws — they’re survival responses developed over time.

How Early Attachment Trauma Plays a Role

As experts like Dr. Gabor Maté explain, our earliest experiences shape how we relate to ourselves and others. If caregivers were neglectful, inconsistent, or emotionally unavailable, we may develop an insecure attachment style.

Later in life, that can lead to:

Difficulty feeling safe in relationships
Emotional dependency or avoidance
People-pleasing to gain approval
A fear of conflict or abandonment
Feeling “not good enough” no matter what we achieve

This is how unresolved trauma — especially in our attachment system — plays out in adulthood.

The Science Behind It

Trauma isn’t just psychological — it leaves a mark on the body and brain:

It disrupts the nervous system, keeping us in fight, flight, or freeze
It affects the amygdala (threat detection), hippocampus (memory), and prefrontal cortex (rational thinking)
It shapes how we think, feel, and react in the present

This is why people with CPTSD often feel stuck in survival mode, even when life seems “fine” on the outside.

How EMDR Can Help Heal Complex PTSD

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is one of the most effective therapies for Complex PTSD.

EMDR works by helping your brain reprocess painful memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge — allowing healing to occur at both a cognitive and nervous system level.

Here’s what makes EMDR powerful for CPTSD:

It doesn’t require retelling your trauma in detail
It works with the brain’s natural healing system (similar to REM sleep)
It helps release stuck trauma from the body
It fosters new, empowering beliefs about yourself
It builds internal safety before deep processing — through tools like Safe Place, Container, and Resourcing

EMDR is especially helpful for those who feel traditional talk therapy hasn’t fully worked, or who struggle with emotional flashbacks, low self-worth, and chronic emotional distress.

Healing Is a Journey — But It’s Possible

Recovery from Complex PTSD isn’t quick — but it is possible.

With the right therapeutic support, you can:

Rebuild a secure relationship with yourself
Learn to regulate your emotions
Set healthy boundaries
Trust others (and yourself) again
Release shame and reclaim your voice

You’re not broken — you’re healing. And that matters.

Ready to Explore EMDR Therapy?

If you're struggling with emotional triggers, relationship patterns, or the lingering effects of trauma — EMDR might be the path forward.

🧠 I specialise in EMDR Therapy and trauma-informed counselling
📍 Based in Coventry (in-person) & Online sessions available

🌐 Learn more at: www.amesaspire.com
📧 Reach out: ames@amesaspire.com
📸 Instagram: @amesaspire