EMDR Therapy: Understanding Complex PTSD

Could you or someone you love be suffering from Complex PTSD?

Are you struggling with reliving pain, fear or feeling powerless to stop recalling the trauma?

Are you experiencing nightmares or flashbacks?

Do you find yourself responding without notice to sounds, sights or smells that bring back traumatic memories?

Recognizing the Symptoms of PTSD

• Does the world feel unsafe and like you need to be watching your back at all times?
• How do your nerves feel?
• Do you have trouble sleeping?
• Do you feel edgy, irritable or panicky?
• Are you easily caught feeling off guard?
• Do you find yourself altering your lifestyle choices or routines in order to avoid reminders of past trauma?
• You could be avoiding once-pleasant activities or common daily habits to get around possibly upsetting triggers.
• Your avoidance could be so intense that you no longer think about the trauma, and instead feel like you are drowning in depression, guilt or anxiety.

Things Have Changed in Your Relationships Because Of PTSD

• You may no longer derive comfort and a feeling of support from your family and friends.
• They may be struggling to figure out how to relate to you, as the way you see them and behave around them has changed.
• Where there was once warmth and trust, now there may be suspicion, anger, and resentment.

The Difference Between PTSD and Complex PTSD

• PTSD results from a single-incident trauma, such as a serious car accident.
• Complex PTSD results from multiple traumas, and is most common in adults who were abused or neglected as children, pervasively over time, for years.
• The symptoms tend to be similar in nature, with the symptoms of Complex PTSD tending to be more intense, complicated, and a bit more resistant to treatment.
• All symptoms eventually respond well to EMDR Therapy.

You Can Reclaim Your Life

• Untreated PTSD or Complex PTSD interferes with your quality of life, your health, and your relationships.
• Ignoring Complex PTSD only causes the condition to become worse and do further damage.
• Understand that what you are experiencing is not your fault, it is caused by trauma, and it can be treated and healed.

If you or someone you love is suffering with any of these symptoms, I encourage you to seek help for Complex PTSD from a qualified EMDR Therapist. I have been a Certified EMDR Therapist since 2004, and have advanced training in the integration of EMDR Therapy with Somatic Experiencing, which is another effective tool for treating Complex PTSD. With my help, you can reclaim your life, your happiness, and make your life joyful again.

"This article was originally published at www.lindaklaffey.com. Reprinted with permission from the author."