What Is Complex Trauma?
Understanding the Wounds That Shape How We See Ourselves and the World
When we think of trauma, we often picture a single, catastrophic event—like a car accident or natural disaster. But for many, trauma isn’t a one-time incident. It’s a slow, cumulative layering of harm that happens over months or years, often in relationships where there should have been safety.
This is complex trauma—and it’s more common than we realize.
Defining Complex Trauma
Complex trauma refers to prolonged, repeated exposure to emotionally, physically, or psychologically harmful experiences, typically within interpersonal relationships. Unlike single-incident trauma, complex trauma often begins in childhood and can include:
Chronic neglect or emotional abuse
Unstable or unsafe caregiving environments
Growing up in households where you had to suppress your needs to survive
Long-term exposure to systemic oppression or discrimination
Repeated betrayal or manipulation in close relationships
What makes complex trauma so complex is that it doesn’t just leave emotional scars—it reshapes your entire worldview. It’s not just about what happened; it’s about what you had to believe about yourself and others to cope.
How Complex Trauma Shapes the Nervous System
When you live in a state of ongoing threat, your nervous system adapts to keep you safe. Over time, this can lead to:
Hypervigilance: Constantly scanning your environment for danger
Dissociation: Disconnecting from your body or emotions to avoid pain
Emotional dysregulation: Difficulty managing intense feelings
Somatic symptoms: Chronic pain, fatigue, or gastrointestinal issues without a clear medical cause
These adaptations are survival mechanisms. They’re your body’s way of protecting you in an unsafe world. But when the danger is gone, these patterns can persist, making everyday life feel overwhelming.
The Impact on Self-Perception and Relationships
Complex trauma often distorts your sense of self and your ability to connect with others. You might experience:
Negative self-image: Feeling unworthy, unlovable, or fundamentally flawed
Trust issues: Struggling to believe that others can be safe or reliable
Attachment difficulties: Either clinging too tightly or pushing people away
Identity confusion: Not knowing who you are outside of your trauma
These challenges can make relationships feel like minefields, where intimacy is both deeply desired and profoundly terrifying.
Why Traditional Approaches May Fall Short
Many people with complex trauma find that traditional talk therapy doesn’t fully address their needs. While cognitive approaches can offer insight, they often overlook the body's role in storing and expressing trauma.
Healing complex trauma requires a holistic approach that includes:
Somatic therapies: Engaging the body to release stored trauma
Relational healing: Building safe, supportive connections
Spiritual exploration: Reconnecting with a sense of meaning and purpose
Psychedelic-assisted therapies: Facilitating breakthroughs in treatment-resistant cases (e.g., ketamine infusion therapy)
These modalities recognize that trauma is not just a psychological issue—it’s a full-body, full-being experience.
Moving Toward Healing
Recovery from complex trauma is not about "getting over it" or "moving on." It's about:
Reclaiming your body: Learning to feel safe and present within yourself
Rewriting your narrative: Challenging the beliefs that trauma instilled in you
Rebuilding trust: Gradually opening up to safe, nurturing relationships
Rediscovering joy: Allowing yourself to experience pleasure and connection
Healing is a nonlinear journey. There will be setbacks and breakthroughs, moments of clarity and times of confusion. But with the right support, transformation is possible.
You're Not Alone
If this resonates with you, know that you're not alone—and you're not broken. Your responses are valid adaptations to the experiences you've endured.
In my practice, I offer:
Somatic therapy based on Mary Shutan's Body Deva work
Ketamine infusion therapy in collaboration with medical professionals
Spiritual healing and mentoring to support your journey toward wholeness
Together, we can create a safe space for you to explore, heal, and grow—at your own pace, in your own way.
When you're ready, I'm here.
Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized support.
