Thoughts
A harsh inner critic, negative beliefs about yourself, or difficulty staying present
Compassionate support for
PTSD & C-PTSD
PTSD and C-PTSD can develop after traumatic experiences, affecting your sense of safety, connection, and trust
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Understanding C-PTSD / PTSD Therapy
How Trauma Can Stay With You
PTSD and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) can both develop after traumatic experiences. PTSD may follow one or more traumatic events, while C-PTSD is often connected to prolonged or repeated trauma when safety or escape was out of reach. Along with core PTSD symptoms, C-PTSD can involve ongoing difficulties with emotional regulation, self-worth, and relationships.
Understanding Trauma Responses
When Trauma Continues to Feel Present
Both can shape daily life in different ways, and each experience deserves care that reflects what you have lived through
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Common Symptoms of Complex PTSD
- Difficulty regulating intense emotions
- Persistent shame or a negative sense of self
- Difficulty trusting or feeling close to others
- Re-experiencing through distressing dreams, flashbacks, or unwanted memories
- Avoiding trauma reminders or thoughts
- Hypervigilance or being easily startled
- Feeling detached from yourself or your surroundings
How C-PTSD Can Show Up
Emotions
Shame, guilt, emptiness, numbness, or emotions that feel hard to manage
Body
Chronic tension, disrupted sleep, fatigue, startle responses, or feeling disconnected from the body
Behaviour
Avoiding reminders, shutting down, overworking, or relying on protective coping patterns
Relationships
Feeling distant or unsafe, or finding it difficult to trust and sustain closeness
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Common Symptoms of PTSD
- Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories
- Avoiding reminders or triggers
- Guilt, shame, or feeling detached
- Hypervigilance, sleep problems, or being easily startled
- Trouble concentrating or staying present
How PTSD Can Show Up
Thoughts
Intrusive memories, nightmares, self-blame, or difficulty concentrating
Emotions
Fear, anger, guilt, shame, numbness, or difficulty feeling positive emotions
Body
Feeling on edge, easily startled, tense, unable to relax, or having disrupted sleep
Behaviour
Avoiding reminders, changing routines, staying on guard, or taking greater risks
Relationships
Feeling detached, isolated, or less able to trust and connect
Understanding the difference
PTSD vs. C-PTSD: Key Differences in Symptoms
01
PTSD
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing trauma. It may involve intrusive memories, avoiding reminders, changes in mood, and feeling constantly alert or unsafe.
Key symptom patterns
- 01
Re-experiencing trauma (flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts)
- 02
Avoidance of reminders or triggers
- 03
Negative changes in thoughts and mood (guilt, fear, detachment)
- 04
Hyperarousal (irritability, difficulty sleeping, exaggerated startle response)
- 05
Difficulty focusing or remaining grounded in the present
02
C-PTSD
Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) can both develop after traumatic experiences. PTSD may follow one or more traumatic events, while C-PTSD is often connected to prolonged or repeated trauma when safety or escape was.
Key symptom patterns
- 01
Emotional dysregulation (intense anger, sadness, or numbness)
- 02
Persistent negative self-concept (shame, guilt, feelings of worthlessness)
- 03
Interpersonal difficulties (struggles with trust, isolation, or unhealthy relationships)
- 04
Dissociation or feeling disconnected from self/reality
- 05
Long-term impact on identity and sense of meaning
Therapy Approaches for PTSD & C-PTSD
Sensorimotor Therapy
Gently noticing body sensations, movement, and protective responses to process trauma and build a greater sense of safety and choice
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Somatic Experiencing
A gentle, body-oriented approach to stress, trauma, and nervous-system regulation
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Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Find inner calm by bringing your inner parts into harmony
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Move Beyond Survival
Find Safety Beyond the Past
With trauma-informed support, you can work with painful memories, reduce reactivity, and create more room for calm in daily life
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