Complex PTSD

What It Is & How Therapy Can Help

Complex PTSD often develops after long-term, repeated, or relational trauma — especially when escape, safety, or support weren’t consistently available. Rather than being tied to a single event, C-PTSD can shape how you experience yourself, others, and the world. Many people with C-PTSD live in a constant state of vigilance, emotional overwhelm, or shutdown, even when life looks “fine” on the outside. This isn’t a personal failure — it’s a nervous system that learned how to survive.

Therapy for C-PTSD can be especially supportive for people who

Grew up in environments that felt unsafe, unpredictable, or emotionally neglectful
Struggle with chronic anxiety, shame, or feeling “too much” or “not enough”
Experience difficulties with trust, boundaries, or relationships
Feel disconnected from their body, emotions, or sense of self
Notice patterns of people-pleasing, perfectionism, emotional numbing, or intense reactions

C-PTSD therapy is a good fit for those who want to understand why certain patterns exist and gently work toward lasting change.

Healing C-PTSD uses therapeutic approaches like IFS, EMDR, and polyvagal-informed care. We work to support protective parts, process unresolved trauma when appropriate, and help your system learn that it no longer has to stay on high alert. Over time, many clients notice increased emotional steadiness, clearer boundaries, deeper self-trust, and a growing sense of ease in their body and relationships.