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.