Complex Trauma

Many people with trauma-related problems have experienced multiple traumas, termed complex trauma. 

Complex trauma:

  • is usually interpersonal i.e. occurs between people;

  • involves ‘being or feeling’ trapped;

  • is often planned, extreme, ongoing and/or repeated;

  • often has more severe, persistent and cumulative impacts;

  • involves challenges with shame, trust, self-esteem, identity and regulating emotions; 

  • has different negative coping strategies, including alcohol and drug use, self-harm, over- or under-eating, over-work etc.; and

  • affects emotional and physical health, wellbeing, relationships and daily functioning (source www.blueknot.org.au). 

Single incident trauma occurs with `one off’ events. It is commonly associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Single incident trauma can occur from a bushfire, flood, sexual or physical assault in adulthood, or from fighting in a war. It is now recognised, however, that ongoing stressors can also lead to PTSD symptoms (source www.blueknot.org.au ).

Angela uses a combination of CBT and EMDR Therapies (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy) to treat complex trauma.