Understanding Complex Trauma
Complex trauma refers to repeated or long-term exposure to distressing events, often during childhood or in important relationships. Unlike a single traumatic event (such as a car accident or natural disaster), complex trauma usually develops over time through experiences such as ongoing abuse, neglect, violence, or chronic stress in unsafe environments.
Complex trauma can deeply affect a person’s sense of safety, identity, relationships, and ability to manage emotions. Importantly, it is not a sign of weakness — it is the mind and body’s natural response to overwhelming or prolonged stress.
Symptoms of Complex Trauma
The effects of complex trauma can be wide-ranging and may include:
Persistent feelings of fear, shame, guilt, or helplessness
Difficulty regulating emotions (feeling “numb” or overwhelmed by emotions)
Strong reactions to reminders of past experiences
Problems with trust, attachment, or maintaining relationships
A negative self-image, including feelings of worthlessness or self-blame
Hypervigilance (feeling constantly “on edge” or unsafe)
Dissociation (feeling detached from oneself or surroundings)
Physical symptoms such as sleep difficulties, headaches, or chronic pain
Increased risk of depression, anxiety, or substance use as coping mechanisms
Because complex trauma develops over time, it can shape the way someone views themselves and the world around them — but with support, healing is possible.
Why Does Complex Trauma Happen?
Complex trauma usually arises from repeated exposure to difficult experiences such as:
Childhood abuse or neglect
Domestic or family violence
Bullying or ongoing emotional abuse
Living in unsafe or unstable environments
Exposure to war, displacement, or systemic oppression
These experiences can overwhelm a person’s natural ability to cope, especially when they happen during formative years.
How a Psychologist Can Help
Healing from complex trauma often takes time and compassionate support. A psychologist can provide a safe, consistent space to work through the impact of trauma at a pace that feels manageable. Therapy may include:
Evidence-based trauma therapies such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), EMDR, or approaches based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness
Learning skills for grounding, emotion regulation, and self-soothing
Processing painful memories in a safe and supported way
Rebuilding a sense of safety, trust, and self-worth
Supporting healthier relationships and connection with others
Developing long-term resilience and self-compassion
Psychologists work with you gently and collaboratively, always guided by your comfort and readiness.
When to Seek Help
It may be time to reach out if:
Past experiences are affecting your current wellbeing, relationships, or work
You feel stuck in patterns of fear, shame, or self-blame
You experience frequent flashbacks, nightmares, or dissociation
Coping strategies (such as withdrawal, self-criticism, or substance use) no longer feel helpful
You want to build healthier ways of coping and relating to others
Healing from complex trauma is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.