At the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh we can help individuals on the journey to healing from Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (cPTSD). Our trauma-informed therapists are trained to recognize the subtle signs of complex trauma, creating a safe space for individuals to explore their experiences and embark on a journey of understanding and healing through cPTSD therapy.
Understanding cPTSD: Beyond PTSD
In 1992, Dr. Judith Herman, an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at the Harvard Medical School, and director of training at the Victims of Violence Program at Cambridge Hospital suggested that a new diagnosis, cPTSD, an acronym for Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder was needed to describe the symptoms of long-term trauma. cPTSD is a mental health condition that can develop in response to prolonged exposure to trauma, often involving interpersonal relationships. While sharing similarities with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), cPTSD encompasses a broader range of symptoms that extend beyond the typical trauma response.
Signs of cPTSD
Identifying cPTSD can be challenging, as its symptoms manifest in various ways and is often misdiagnosed due to its similarities with other disorders. Some common indicators include a persistent negative self-image, difficulty establishing and maintaining healthy relationships, intense feelings of shame, and struggles with emotional regulation. Many individuals with cPTSD may also contend with a fragmented sense of identity and a pervasive feeling of emptiness.
It’s crucial to note that experiencing these events does not automatically mean traumatization. Trauma’s impact is influenced by several biological and environmental factors that shape perception and physiological regulation.
The Impact of Emotional Neglect on cPTSD
It’s essential to recognize that emotional neglect can also be a significant contributor to the development of cPTSD. Emotional neglect, often overlooked or dismissed, involves the absence of crucial emotional support during important developmental stages. Even when basic physical needs are met, emotional neglect can leave lasting scars, impacting self-worth, interpersonal relationships, and emotional regulation.
Trauma-Informed cPTSD Therapy Approaches
At the Counseling and Wellness Center, we recognize the importance of tailoring our counseling approaches to meet the unique needs of each individual through cPTSD therapy. Our therapists are proficient in a range of specialized therapeutic modalities, including:
- EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): EMDR targets upsetting life experiences that have not been stored properly in memory areas of the brain. Unprocessed or blocked traumatic memories often need help from therapies like EMDR to become processed or unblocked.
- Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS): IFS is an approach to psychotherapy that identifies and addresses multiple sub-personalities or families within each person’s mental system.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that combines standard cognitive-behavioral techniques with concepts of acceptance and mindfulness. It is particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with emotional regulation.
- Narrative Therapy: Narrative therapy involves exploring and reshaping the stories people tell about themselves and their experiences. It can be helpful in reframing and reconstructing one’s understanding of traumatic events.
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): CPT is a short-term evidence-based treatment for PTSD and related disorders. It is based on cognitive theory and helps individuals recognize the impact that the traumatic event has had on their thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and behaviors through cPTSD therapy.
- Mindfulness-Based Approaches: Mindfulness practices involve cultivating present-moment awareness to reduce stress and increase well-being.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: This type of therapy explores unconscious thoughts and feelings that may be contributing to current difficulties. It can help individuals gain insight into the roots of their trauma and develop coping strategies.
- Somatic Therapy: Somatic therapy centers on using the body as the primary focus for healing. Practitioners assert that negative emotions, especially from trauma, can be trapped within the body. Techniques like breathing exercises, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, vagus nerve stimulation and body movement are employed to release built-up tension and enhance emotional and physical well-being.
- Medication: For those exploring medication management for cPTSD, consult a psychiatric provider, like a mental health nurse practitioner with trauma expertise. While there isn’t a single “cure” for trauma, medication serves as a valuable tool for symptom management. It complements efforts to develop new regulation skills and process past traumatic experiences.
Ready to Get Started With cPTSD Therapy?
Embarking on the path to healing from cPTSD is a courageous decision, and you don’t have to face it alone. The Counseling and Wellness Center is here to support you every step of the way. By seeking specialized cPTSD therapy, you are investing in your well-being and taking a crucial step towards reclaiming a life filled with resilience, connection, and personal growth.
cPTSD YouTube Playlist
Blogs About cPTSD and Trauma
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