Therapy for Complex Trauma

Complex trauma is also called relational trauma because it forms through the course of relationships (often with caregivers) that did not meet our basic needs for safety and belonging. This can include a variety of early experiences: abuse, neglect, parental substance use, or a parent who relied on you to meet their emotional needs. In order to survive the trauma, we develop unique methods of protection: shrinking, care-taking, or reading the room with an uncanny precision. While these adaptations are rarely conscious, they are wise. Our survival systems kick in to help us through situations where there was little else we could control. As an adult seeking to heal from childhood trauma, it is helpful to begin to see our younger selves as brave and resourceful, even as we gently invite our inner child into a safe haven of compassion - within therapy and within ourselves - so that these defenses can begin to relax. With support, we can finally breathe a little deeper and focus on showing up to our lives with presence, intention, and joy.

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