Healing the Deep Wounds of Repeated or Prolonged Trauma

At CARE Counseling, Inc., we understand that trauma is not always a single event—it can be chronic, relational, or woven into your early experiences. When trauma happens repeatedly or over long periods—especially during childhood—it can lead to what many clinicians and survivors recognize as Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD).

If you feel like traditional PTSD descriptions don’t fully explain your experience, you’re not alone. We’re here to help.

What Is Complex PTSD?

Complex PTSD (CPTSD) is a condition that arises from long-term, repeated, or inescapable trauma, such as:

• Childhood abuse or neglect

• Domestic violence

• Human trafficking or exploitation

• Cult or institutional abuse

• Repeated medical trauma

• Systemic oppression or intergenerational trauma

CPTSD affects not just how you feel, but how you see yourself, how safe you feel in relationships, and how connected you are to your body and identity.

CPTSD in the ICD-11 vs. PTSD in the DSM-5

ICD-11 (World Health Organization):

• CPTSD is a distinct diagnosis, separate from PTSD

• It includes core PTSD symptoms (re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal)

• Plus three additional clusters:

• Affect dysregulation (chronic emotional overwhelm, outbursts, shutdowns)

• Negative self-concept (shame, guilt, feelings of worthlessness)

• Disturbances in relationships (distrust, isolation, fear of closeness)

DSM-5 (U.S.):

• CPTSD is not a separate diagnosis

• Symptoms of CPTSD are captured within expanded PTSD criteria, including:

• Dissociation

• Negative beliefs about self and world

• Persistent guilt or blame

• Emotional numbing or detachment

• Self-destructive behavior

At CARE Counseling, Inc., we recognize and validate CPTSD regardless of the diagnostic system. We focus on what you are experiencing—not what label it falls under.

Common Symptoms of CPTSD

• Chronic anxiety, emotional reactivity, or internal shutdown

• Flashbacks, nightmares, or body memories

• Persistent shame, guilt, or “brokenness”

• Relationship difficulties

• Difficulty trusting, attaching, or feeling safe in relationships

• People-pleasing, conflict avoidance, or emotional detachment

• Identity confusion, dissociation, or inner fragmentation

• Cycles of burnout, perfectionism, or self-sabotage

• Sensory sensitivity or somatic complaints (e.g., fatigue, pain, nausea)

CPTSD affects how you feel, relate, and regulate—and it often stems from trauma that occurred when you had few choices or support.

How We Treat CPTSD at CARE Counseling, Inc.

CPTSD healing requires a relational, integrative, and nervous system-informed approach. At CARE Counseling, we don’t just treat symptoms—we walk with you as you rebuild safety, trust, and a coherent sense of self.

Our therapy may include:

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) – working gently with wounded and protective parts of self

• Brainspotting or EMDR – accessing and resolving stored trauma through body-based processing

• Somatic therapy – reconnecting with your body in safe, attuned ways

• Polyvagal-informed care – learning how to regulate your nervous system over time

• Attachment-focused therapy – healing relational wounds and building secure connection

• Psychoeducation and neuroeducation – understanding your symptoms and brain responses without shame

We move at your pace, prioritize consent and collaboration, and honor the wisdom of your system.

Healing Is Possible—And You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

CPTSD healing is not linear. It takes time, care, and trust—but it is absolutely possible. Our therapists are trained to hold complexity with compassion and to help you:

• Regulate emotions and nervous system states

• Release trauma stored in the body

• Reclaim a stable sense of self

• Navigate relationships with more safety and agency

• Feel grounded, present, and whole

Your reactions make sense. Your story deserves care. And healing is within reach.