Complex PTSD

Complex PTSD, also known as CPTSD, happens when someone repeatedly and over a prolonged period does not get what they need to be emotionally, physically, or mentally safe.

Some of the most common problems showing up in CPTSD include:

  • Difficulty with self-acceptance

  • No clear sense of identity

  • Low self-compassion

  • High self-protection

  • Difficulty drawing comfort from a relationship

  • Persistent strong feelings of loneliness and abandonment

  • No capacity to relax

  • Either overwhelming feelings or being unable to feel feelings other than anger or depression

  • Low willpower and motivation

  • Addiction

  • Dissociation

  • Suicidal ideation

Clearly not all of these show up all the time, nor does the presence of these necessarily mean CPTSD. But consistently seeing these things in your life, particularly if they are somewhat vague or you cannot attribute them to a recent event, suggests that talking further could open doors to mental health.

What does CPTSD treatment look like with me?

Safety always comes first. We build safety together — in the office and in your life outside it. There's no rush to dive in; we'll take the time we need to settle into therapy and get to know each other, because that foundation makes everything that follows more effective.

From there, we'll explore how you relate to your CPTSD — how you've been battling it, where you've been winning, and what you feel ready to tackle. We'll strengthen the skills that are already working for you and build new ones for day-to-day life before diving in.

Diving is gentle too at first, toes in, seeing how it goes. It might start with EMDR or with IFS/Parts work, then flow as you need and respond.

CPTSD often occurs with depression, anxiety, panic, and PTSD. We treat all together in one package, addressing things as they arise and supplementing with other approaches if needed, for example CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy for Trauma), and Narrative Therapy.