Trauma can develop from the experience of a single incident; yet complex trauma, which is a type of trauma, is the outcome of repeated and prolonged distressing experiences, particularly during one’s pivotal stages of development. These ongoing experiences include abuse, neglect, and exposure to chaotic situations. Such experiences can disturb emotional and psychological development. Unlike single-incident trauma, complex trauma is interwoven in one’s identity, relationships, and worldview.
Defining Complex Trauma and Its Impact
People with complex trauma often have difficulties with interpersonal trust, emotional self-regulation, and self-esteem. Profound conditioning of the nervous system to a constant state of hypervigilance, and in some cases a shutdown, can occur, resulting in anxiety, possible depression, dissociation, and other psychosomatic problems. Healing from complex trauma is far from simple, requiring much more than surface-level interventions. Addressing emotional scars intertwined with complex trauma requires an insightful approach, which is offered in Complex Trauma Treatment.
The Significance of a Holistic Approach in Treatment
There is no single method or therapy that will help a person heal complex trauma. As trauma affects the mind, body, and spirit, a holistic approach to healing ensures that each component of a person’s experience is recognized and treated. This means that evidence-based therapy has to be integrated with other methods that help restore emotional balance and physical well-being.
Integrating other therapies such as mindfulness, somatic experiencing, art therapy, and various movement therapies with traditional psychotherapy is a great addition to healing trauma. Holistic methods help trauma patients reconnect with their bodies and emotions and help them redevelop a sense of safety. With time, the person comes to the understanding that healing takes more than just the work of addressing painful memories. It also consists of rebuilding a lost self.
When treating complex trauma, the lifestyle factors that help the person with their recovery are also important. Positive healing factors are good nutrition, sleep hygiene, and physical activity, which all help stabilize the mood and help the person gain emotional resilience. The work of healing complex trauma is designed to help the person transition from the weak and confused state of their lives to a strengthened and understood state of emotional balance.
Core Approaches in the Care of Complex Trauma
When it comes to the care of complex trauma, a foundational aspect is the meshing of different therapeutic modalities to meet the care needs of the individual. Some of the most effective include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT), and Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS). Each form of therapy fulfills a particular function, allowing clients to process memories, cope with emotions, and change negative perceptions.
EMDR provides a way to revisit trauma without losing emotional distance and pain fixation. CBT seeks to change destructive and guilt-reinforcing ways of thinking. IFS seeks to identify and unite fractured parts of the self that trauma fractured and encourages self-compassion.
Body-based trauma treatment is also important in the care of complex trauma. Releasing trauma that is held in the body is healing. Learning to balance and control their body is the beginning of the recovery process and is important in the recovery process.
The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care
In places where trauma survivors receive care, Trauma-Informed Care is especially important. It understands the unique effects trauma has on people and is considered most important in the recovery process, especially in terms of safety, trust, and empowerment. Trauma-Informed Care is also centered on healing. It is not focused on merely treating the symptoms, because it is centered on the understanding that behaviors, emotions, and thought patterns are intertwined and shaped by past experiences.
Therapists and clinicians working with trauma survivors within the Trauma-Informed Care framework understand the potential for re-traumatizing clients if sufficient care is not taken. They work to build an environment of safety and support, foster collaboration, and maintain healing focus, transparency, and respect. This is especially important in the care framework because it ensures clients can participate in their healing process.
In Complex Trauma treatment, Trauma-Informed Care assists the clinician/facilitator in restoring the trauma survivors’ healing focus and their sense of safety and control. Importantly, there is an effort to shift the survivors’ focus on what has happened to them and support them in the construction of positive new narratives and adaptive coping behaviors. This significantly improves treatment adherence and retention in care.
Overcoming Problems with Managing Emotions
Among the many effects of complex trauma, emotional dysregulation can probably be the worst. Some people with this condition can lose the ability to respond to and control their emotions. Extreme emotional responses can involve going cold, losing rational control, or losing the ability to respond. This can also lead to complications involving self-image, relationships, and various aspects of functioning.
Triggers and tools to control emotional responses can be learned with therapy. Some emotional dysregulation techniques include Grounding Techniques, Mindfulness, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Individuals can regain emotional self-control by pattern identification and conscious emotional response techniques.
Treatment for complex trauma considers emotional regulation as an initial part of the healing process. It enables the customer to participate in trauma work and develop the ability to handle emotions, even the more complex and painful ones. Emotions, even the painful ones, must be properly understood, experienced in a safe environment, and approached with courage instead of fear or avoidance.
Strategies for Building Resilience and Coping Skills
Recovering from trauma is not simply about getting through the pain; it is about learning to live once again and fully. Building resilience and learning to cope will help to sustain progress when therapy ends. Resilience is not some rare quality. It can be built with effort and self-awareness, and help from others.
Resilience is built through setting and respecting one’s boundaries, self-compassion, and healthy relations to others. Safe spaces, where one can express and communicate their needs and emotions, contribute to their sense of self and empowerment. Journaling, relaxation, and meditation are other tools that help in the regulation of the nervous system, softening the angry and harsh thoughts.
Treatment of complex trauma also recognizes the significance of connection and community. Support groups, therapy circles, or group therapy sessions help individuals share and learning from the experiences of others who are walking the same journey. This sense of belonging can help address and combat the feeling of isolation that is often part of trauma.
Supporting Long-Term Recovery and Healing
Complex trauma requires long-term healing, and even after one goes through therapy, obstacles still arise that test their coping abilities and trauma-response strategies. Long-term healing means integrating the therapy framework, seeking help when needed, and actively pursuing one’s inner healing journey.
Maintaining progress requires rest and self-care, and it’s important in recovery. Healthy relationships and creative and constructive activities help maintain emotional balance and prevent relapse into old coping habits. Helping and empathizing with others who have been through similar pain paths can restore purpose.
At Nashville Mental Health, the objective of complex trauma treatment is to accompany individuals on their healing journey to attaining profound transformation. With compassionate, evidence-based care, we help clients restore their hope and ability to lead meaningful lives. Healing is a process, but with the right steps, it can lead to profound self-renewal and inner strength.
