About Complex-PTSD

Complex-PTSD, also known as childhood or developmental trauma, is a condition that underpins many mental health presentations such as:

• Depression and anxiety;

• Addiction;

• Low self-esteem & toxic shame;

• Hyper-vigilance;

• Emotional dysregulation;

• Unhealthy relationship dynamics including difficulties with trust, boundaries & intimacy;

• Feelings of alienation; and

• Sense of inner emptiness.

  Unfortunately, most clinicians have not been trained to identify or treat Complex-PTSD and tend to focus on treating the surface symptoms rather than its root causes. The outcome is unnecessary suffering and opportunity for healing lost as Complex-PTSD survivors spend years - and in many cases decades - treating surface symptoms with the underpinning causes left unaddressed. Even when Complex-PTSD is identified, treatment is often inappropriate, leading at best to minimal progress and at worst to further traumatisation.

  Understanding this condition is essential for any clinician wanting to work psychotherapeutically. 

  World Health Organisation International Classification of Diseases - 11 (Complex-PTSD defined)