What is Complex PTSD?

Many people have heard of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition triggered by traumatic events such as accidents, abuse, violence, or bullying. However, fewer people are familiar with complex PTSD (c-PTSD)—a more severe form of PTSD that arises from prolonged or repeated trauma over an extended period.

Understanding Complex PTSD

Unlike PTSD, which can develop from a single traumatic event, c-PTSD is typically the result of ongoing trauma, especially in childhood or situations where escape is difficult, such as domestic abuse, war, captivity, or prolonged neglect. Trauma inflicted by caregivers or authority figures increases the risk of developing c-PTSD.

While the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) does not currently recognise c-PTSD as a distinct diagnosis, the World Health Organization’s ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases) officially classifies it as a separate condition.

Complex PTSD vs PTSD

Both PTSD and c-PTSD stem from trauma and can lead to distressing symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened anxiety. However, complex PTSD includes additional symptoms that make it distinct:

  • Negative self-perception: Deep feelings of shame, guilt, or worthlessness.
  • Emotional dysregulation: Difficulty controlling emotions, including anger, anxiety, or depression.
  • Relationship difficulties: Struggles with trust, maintaining healthy relationships, and avoiding toxic patterns.

People with c-PTSD often feel trapped in cycles of emotional pain, affecting their confidence, mental health, and ability to connect with others.

Symptoms of Complex PTSD

C-PTSD shares many symptoms with PTSD, including:

  • Re-experiencing trauma: Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts.
  • Hypervigilance: Constantly feeling on edge, easily startled, or overwhelmed.
  • Avoidance behaviours: Avoiding places, people, or situations that trigger traumatic memories.

However, c-PTSD also includes additional symptoms:

  • Emotional numbness or detachment
  • Persistent feelings of shame or worthlessness
  • Explosive anger or mood swings
  • Difficulty forming or maintaining relationships
  • Feeling trapped in negative thought patterns

Symptoms can fluctuate over time, making it essential to seek professional support tailored to trauma recovery.

Causes of Complex PTSD

C-PTSD is often caused by prolonged exposure to trauma, such as:

  • Childhood abuse, neglect, or abandonment
  • Domestic violence or coercive control
  • Being a prisoner of war or living in a conflict zone
  • Human trafficking, slavery, or prolonged captivity
  • Sexual exploitation or repeated assault

Additionally, individuals from marginalised backgrounds may experience heightened trauma due to discrimination, social exclusion, or systemic oppression.

Risk factors include:

  • Experiencing trauma at a young age
  • Trauma caused by a trusted figure (e.g., parent, partner, authority figure)
  • Repeated or long-term exposure to distressing events
  • Lack of escape or control over the situation

How Our Services Can Help You 

At Claire Russell Therapy, we offer a range of trauma-informed therapy services designed to help individuals recover from complex PTSD and regain control over their lives. Our evidence-based approaches are tailored to your unique experiences and healing journey.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Complex PTSD

  • Helps you reframe negative thoughts and replace them with healthier perspectives.
  • Provides structured coping strategies to manage triggers and emotional distress.
  • Reduces anxiety and depression symptoms associated with trauma.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for Emotional Regulation

  • Teaches mindfulness and distress tolerance techniques to help control overwhelming emotions.
  • Improves self-awareness and interpersonal relationships.
  • Helps break self-destructive cycles and promotes emotional stability.

Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy for Trauma Recovery

  • Helps access and reprocess traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment.
  • Reduces symptoms of PTSD and c-PTSD, including anxiety, panic attacks, and emotional distress.
  • Supports deep relaxation, stress relief, and improved emotional resilience.

Somatic Therapy and Body-Based Healing for PTSD

  • Uses movement-based practices such as yoga, tai chi, and dance therapy to reconnect mind and body.
  • Helps reduce physical symptoms of trauma, such as tension, chronic pain, and anxiety.
  • Encourages a sense of safety and self-compassion in the healing process.

Medication Support for PTSD and C-PTSD Symptoms

  • In some cases, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can provide relief from overwhelming symptoms.
  • We work alongside medical professionals to ensure a full and complete holistic treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Find Support Today

If you are struggling with the impact of long-term trauma, help is available. At Claire Russell Therapy, we offer trauma-informed therapy to support your healing journey.

Regain control over your emotions Break free from negative self-perception Build healthier relationships Find peace and emotional balance

Book a free consultation today and take the first step towards healing.

If you are in crisis, immediate help is available. Contact Samaritans Ireland at 116 123, or reach out to Pieta House at 1800 247 247 for urgent support.

Your Healing Starts Here

Recovery is possible with the right support. Let’s work together to help you move forward. Get in touch today and start your journey towards a healthier, happier life.

 

Contact Claire today or send a text message to request a call back :  tel:0876166638

 

 

References:

  1. World Health Organization (WHO): Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  3. Harvard Health Publishing: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  4. Samaritans Ireland
  5. Samaritans UK
  6. Pieta House

These resources provide comprehensive information on PTSD and offer support services in Ireland and the UK.

 

  1. Complex PTSD: Assessment and Treatment
  2. Progress and Limitations in the Treatment of Complex PTSD and Developmental Trauma Disorder
  3. The Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Psychotherapy for Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Retrospective Study
  4. Complex PTSD: Research Directions for Nosology/Assessment, Treatment, and Public Health
  5. Complex PTSD: History and Definitions
  6. Meta-Analytic Evidence on the Efficacy of Hypnosis for Mental and Somatic Health Issues: A 20-Year Perspective
  7. Clinical Hypnosis/Hypnotherapy
  8. Hypnosis: What It Is, How It Works, Benefits & Risks
  9. CPTSD (Complex PTSD): What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment
  10. How Hypnotherapy is Helping PTSD Patients
  11. How Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy Can Help People with PTSD
  12. Hypnotherapy for Trauma: How It Works and Its Effectiveness
  13. Complex PTSD: Assessment and Treatment
  14. Progress and Limitations in the Treatment of Complex PTSD and Developmental Trauma Disorder
  15. The Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Psychotherapy for Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Retrospective Study

Insights into the assessment, treatment, and understanding of Complex PTSD and the application of psychotherapy and clinical medical hypnotherapy.