Written by: George Moujaes, Pre-licensed Therapist

What Is Complex Trauma?

Complex trauma, also known as Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD),
goes beyond traditional PTSD. While PTSD is often linked to a single traumatic event,
CPTSD results from ongoing or repeated trauma over time.

Does CPTSD Only Come from Childhood Trauma?

Not necessarily! While childhood abuse is a common cause, complex trauma can
also stem from:
✔️ Neglect or emotional abuse
✔️ Growing up in a dysfunctional household
✔️ Living in a war zone or experiencing displacement
✔️ Long-term toxic relationships
✔️ Repeated exposure to distressing events

How Does Complex Trauma Affect You?

CPTSD expands on traditional PTSD symptoms and deeply affects:

🔹 Emotional Regulation – Mood swings, overwhelming emotions, difficulty calming
down.
🔹 Self-perception – Low self-esteem, self-doubt, or a fractured sense of identity.
🔹 Relationships – Struggles with trust, emotional detachment, or difficulty forming
healthy bonds.
🔹 Dissociation & Attention Issues – Feeling disconnected from reality, brain fog,
zoning out.
🔹 Somatic Symptoms – Chronic pain, unexplained physical distress, or nervous
system dysregulation.
🔹 Negative Core Beliefs – Feeling permanently changed by trauma, a loss of hope,
or a deep sense of despair.

Can You Heal from Complex Trauma?

Yes! Healing is possible, but it takes intentional effort and the right support. Some
evidence-based approaches include:

✨ Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) – Helps reframe negative
thought patterns.
✨ Somatic Healing – Body-based techniques like breathwork, yoga, or grounding
exercises.
✨ EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) – A powerful therapy for
trauma processing.
✨ Mindfulness & Self-Compassion – Learning to respond to yourself with kindness
rather than self-judgment.

The Power of Choice in Healing

While we can’t always control what happens to us, we can choose how we move
forward. Healing is not about erasing the past but about reclaiming power over our
present and future.

Choosing to heal every day = choosing post-traumatic growth. 💙