Complex-PTSD Counselling

Amygdala is a small part of the brain that helps us feel emotions, especially fear and stress. Here’s how it works with trauma:

1. Hyperactivation: The amygdala becomes very active when something scary happens. This makes us feel scared and ready to fight or run away.
2. Persistent Fear: In CPTSD, the amygdala stays very active even after the scary event is over. This makes people feel like they are always in danger.
3. Memory and Emotion: The amygdala helps us remember emotional events. Traumatic memories can be very clear and come back quickly, causing flashbacks and intrusive thoughts.
4. Interference with Thinking: The amygdala can interfere with the part of the brain that helps us think clearly and control our emotions. This makes it hard to manage feelings and stay calm.
5. Chronic Stress: Long-term trauma keeps the body’s stress response system always on. This can change the brain and make it hard to feel safe even when there is no danger.

Understanding these mechanisms highlights the importance of addressing both the psychological and physiological aspects of CPTSD in treatment.

Disclaimer: A formal diagnosis can only be done by an expert such as a psychiatrist.

At Insightful, our counsellors help understand if a person may have Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), through a careful process that includes:

1. Initial Talk: The counsellor will have a detailed conversation to understand the person’s experiences and symptoms. They will ask about the person’s history, any traumatic events, current emotional state, and relationships.
2. Symptom Check: The counsellor will discuss specific symptoms of CPTSD, such as:

– Persistent sadness or depression.

– Feeling emotionally numb or detached.

– Difficulty controlling emotions, like frequent anger or intense sadness.

– Negative feelings about oneself, such as worthlessness or guilt.

– Problems with relationships, like difficulty trusting others.

– Intrusive memories or flashbacks of traumatic events.

– Constantly feeling on edge or having trouble sleeping.

3. Diagnostic Criteria: The counsellor will use criteria from the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) to diagnose CPTSD. They will look for:

– Symptoms of PTSD, like reliving the trauma, avoiding reminders, and feeling on edge.

– Additional symptoms include difficulty managing emotions, negative self-perception, and relationship problems.

4. Comprehensive Evaluation: The counsellor might gather information from other healthcare providers or review past medical or psychological records.

By following these steps, the counsellor can hypothesis if the client may have CPTSD and develop a treatment plan to help manage symptoms and promote healing.

If needed, they recommend their clients to visit the psychiatrist for a complete diagnosis and medications (if prescribed by the psychiatrist}

Symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) are often managed through various coping behaviours. Here are some common ones:

1. Avoidance:

– Staying away from places, people, or activities that remind them of the trauma.

– Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the trauma.

2. Hypervigilance:

– Being constantly on alert for danger.

– Having an exaggerated startle response.

3. Self-Medication:

– Using alcohol, drugs, or overeating to numb emotional pain.

– Engaging in other addictive behaviours to cope.

4. Isolation:

– Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities.

– Preferring to be alone to avoid potential stressors.

5. Emotional Numbing:

– Shutting down emotionally to avoid feeling pain.

– Difficulty experiencing positive emotions.

6. Control-Seeking:

– Trying to control situations or make people feel safe.

– Becoming overly protective or controlling of one’s environment.

7. Rituals and Routines:

– Creating strict routines to maintain a sense of predictability and security.

– Developing specific rituals to cope with anxiety.

8. Physical Activities:

– Engaging in exercise to release stress and tension.

– Finding solace in hobbies or sports to distract from negative thoughts.

9. Seeking Support:

– Talking to trusted friends, family members, or support groups for emotional support.

– Seeking professional help from therapists or counsellors.

10. Mindfulness and Relaxation:

– Practicing meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to calm the mind.

– Using relaxation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety.

11. Creative Outlets:

– Expressing emotions through art, writing, or music.

– Using creative activities as a therapeutic outlet.

12. Education and Awareness:

– Learning about CPTSD to better understand their condition.

– Keeping a journal to track symptoms, triggers, and progress.

13. Boundary Setting:

– Setting clear boundaries in relationships to protect oneself.

– Learning to say no and prioritize self-care.

14. Seeking Safe Spaces:

– Creating a safe, comfortable environment at home.

– Finding places where they feel secure and relaxed.

Many of the coping behaviours mentioned above can help individuals manage their CPTSD symptoms and improve their overall well-being. However, it’s important to note that some coping mechanisms, like self-medication, addictions etc. can be harmful and may require professional intervention to address.

Treating Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) involves various therapeutic approaches to address the emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms. Here are some common treatments:

1. Psychotherapy:

Transactional Analysis (TA): TA helps treat CPTSD by examining the interactions and communication patterns that stem from childhood trauma. TA focuses on understanding and changing these learned behaviors to foster healthier relationships and emotional responses.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals understand and change negative thought patterns and behaviours.

2. Trauma-Focused Therapies

– Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):

– Uses guided eye movements to help process and integrate traumatic memories.

– Helps reduce the distress associated with traumatic memories.

– Brainspotting:

– Identifies, processes, and releases trauma held in the body.

– Uses focused eye positions to access and process traumatic memories.

– Flash Technique:

– Involves briefly focusing on a traumatic memory while simultaneously engaging in positive, distracting thoughts.

– Designed to reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories quickly.

3. Somatic Therapies

– Somatic Experiencing: Focuses on body sensations to release trauma stored in the body.

– Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Integrates body awareness with traditional talk therapy to address trauma.

4. Medication

– Antidepressants: Such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) to help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.

– Anti-anxiety Medications: To help reduce severe anxiety and panic symptoms.

– Mood Stabilizers: To help manage mood swings and emotional dysregulation.

Important Note: Doctors and psychiatrists can only prescribe medication. We at Insightful Counselling do not prescribe them.

5. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

– Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): Combines mindfulness meditation and yoga to reduce stress.

– Relaxation Techniques include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery.

6. Creative Therapies:

– Art Therapy: Uses creative expression to help process and communicate feelings.

– Music Therapy: Uses music to help individuals explore and express emotions.

7. Lifestyle Changes

– Regular Exercise: Helps reduce stress and improve mood.

– Healthy Diet: Supports overall mental health and well-being.

– Adequate Sleep: Essential for emotional and physical recovery.

Combining these treatments can provide a comprehensive approach to managing CPTSD, helping individuals reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life. Each person’s treatment plan should be tailored to their needs and circumstances.

Finding the right therapist to work with CPTSD can significantly impact your healing journey. Here are some steps to help you find the right match:

1. Look for Specialized Experience: Ensure the therapist has experience and training specifically in trauma therapy like certified in EMDR therapy.
2. Check Credentials: Verify their qualifications and certifications.
3. Ask About Therapeutic Approaches: Inquire about their methods, such as EMDR, Brainspotting, or any other method.
4. Consider Personal Compatibility: Choose someone you feel comfortable with and trust.
5. Read Reviews: Look for testimonials or reviews from other clients.
6. Initial Consultation: Schedule a consultation to see if their approach aligns with your needs.