What is Complex Trauma?

Complex trauma is persistent and pervasive trauma, most commonly in childhood. If you experienced complex trauma you know that it is something that you carry with you at all times. Growing up in an abusive home where you were emotionally, physically or sexually abused caused you to develop through the lens of pain and self hatred. While other children were learning to be independent, care for themselves and set boundaries, you were learning to survive. Those survival skills became integral to who you are, but they aren’t serving you anymore.

Common symptoms associated with Complex Trauma:

• Trouble regulating emotions

• Dissociation

• Difficulty in relationships

• Low self esteem

• Chronic pain, headache and digestive issues

Healing complex trauma can seem overwhelming and even scary. It involves facing parts of yourself and your past that you have been avoiding or self medicating. It involves setting boundaries with people who have a pattern of hurting you. Making the decision to change these patterns might mean having less contact or no contact with family members who were the original sources of pain. Separating from family is often seen as taboo and discouraged, but those of us who no longer wish to be hurt have to choose ourselves. I will never justify the abuse of your family members or encourage you to work on these relationships unless that is what you decide is best for you.