Complex trauma often occurs when individuals have endured multiple or chronic traumatic stressors, such as in the case of prolonged physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or combat experience. It can also result from the cumulative stress of multiple traumatic experiences throughout one’s life.
Signs
Many people carry the effects of long-lasting hurt, and none of it is your fault. It may be time to reach out when the past keeps shaping how you feel, sleep or connect with others today.
How counselling helps
Early on
Together we look at how years of hard experiences shaped your feelings and reactions. You set the pace and choose what to share.
As you go
Your counsellor helps you notice when your nervous system is on alert, and practise calming tools you can use when old feelings rise.
Over time
Over time, you work on kinder ways to see yourself and healthier ways to relate to others, so the past can have less hold on your life today.
Where
About
Complex trauma often occurs when individuals have endured multiple or chronic traumatic stressors, such as in the case of prolonged physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or combat experience. It can also result from the cumulative stress of multiple traumatic experiences throughout one’s life. It differs from acute trauma, which only results from a single incident or shocking event.
Complex trauma generates complex reactions. It can alter one’s brain chemistry and hijack the nervous system. The threat perception part of the brain can become more activated and essentially ‘fear-driven.’ The nervous system can also be stuck in overstimulation, where it becomes challenging for the individual to self-regulate out of that fight-or-flight state. This is when people start experiencing anxiety, panic, and other uncomfortable emotional states.
Repeated overwhelming experiences can alter one’s self-perception and lead to feelings of worthlessness, self-destructive behaviour, and difficulties in relationships, among other challenging outcomes. It is common for shame or guilt to arise with the onset of such symptoms, but it is essential to note that people are not consciously choosing these symptoms. Their brain’s altered chemistry is expressing itself as a result of the trauma.
Unaddressed trauma can also lead to other chronic mental health issues, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, Depression or Substance Use.
Counselling can facilitate those who struggle with complex trauma to process their experiences in a space where they will be heard and validated. Self-regulation is a tool often taught to help clients be aware of and modulate their levels of arousal and anxiety to restore balance in the nervous system. Counselling can also heal attachment wounds related to repeated trauma and introduce healthier coping methods. There is no one way to address trauma. Multiple evidence- based modalities exist within counselling that work with healing and integrating traumatic experiences.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Courtois, C. A. (2004). Complex trauma, complex reactions: Assessment and treatment. Psychotherapy: Theory, research, practice, training, 41(4), 412.
Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. New York: Viking.
Counselling Therapist
Counselling Therapist
Counselling Therapist
Counselling Therapist
Counselling Therapist
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FAQs
Can't find your answer? Ask us a question.
Complex trauma usually comes from hurt that happened many times or over a long period, often in relationships where you should have been safe. A single event can cause trauma too, but long-lasting harm often affects how you see yourself, how you trust others and how you handle strong feelings. You do not need to decide which word fits before you reach out.
No, you choose what to share and when. Many people start by building a sense of safety and learning ways to calm their body before they talk about painful memories, if they ever do. Your counsellor will check in with you often and go at a pace that feels manageable for you.
No, you do not need a diagnosis to begin. You can come as you are, even if you are not sure how to describe what you went through. Our counsellors focus on what you notice in your daily life and what you would like to change, not on labels.
Yes, you can meet online from anywhere in BC, or in person in Burnaby, Coquitlam or Surrey. Some people feel safer starting from home, in a space they know. We offer a free 15-minute consultation by phone or video, and our intake team can suggest counsellors who fit what you need, your language, your budget and where you want to meet.
It is common for strong feelings to rise between sessions, and your counsellor can help you find grounding tools, simple ways to bring your attention back to the present. If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8, call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433), or call 911 if you are in danger. If you ever feel unsafe, please reach out to these lines right away rather than waiting for your next session.
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