Some pain comes from one terrible event. Other pain builds slowly, through months or years of being criticized, controlled, frightened, or ignored. When trauma is ongoing and hard to escape, its effects can run deep. Many people call this complex PTSD, or CPTSD. If that description feels familiar, there is real hope for feeling better.
What It Can Look Like
- Feeling on edge, jumpy, or always waiting for something bad to happen.
- Strong emotions that seem to come out of nowhere, or feeling numb.
- A deep sense of shame, worthlessness, or being “broken.”
- Trouble trusting people, or feeling disconnected from others.
- Flashbacks, nightmares, or being triggered by certain tones or words.
- Harsh self-criticism that sounds like the person who hurt you.
- Exhaustion, trouble sleeping, or difficulty concentrating.
Everyone’s experience is different, and having some of these doesn’t mean you have any particular condition. Only a qualified professional can assess that.
Why It Happens
Complex PTSD is recognized in the World Health Organization’s ICD-11 as a condition that can develop after prolonged or repeated trauma, especially when getting away felt impossible. Long-term narcissistic abuse, growing up with an abusive parent, or years in a controlling relationship can all keep the body and mind in survival mode.
When you’ve spent a long time protecting yourself, your nervous system learns to stay alert. Those reactions made sense then. Healing is about helping your mind and body learn that you’re safer now.
How Our Work Together Helps
I work at a gentle, steady pace. I won’t push you to relive everything at once. In our sessions, we can:
- Learn tools to calm your body when you feel triggered or overwhelmed.
- Understand your reactions with compassion instead of shame.
- Separate the critical voice in your head from who you really are.
- Rebuild trust in yourself and, over time, in safe relationships.
- Make sense of your story in a way that feels manageable.
Sessions are online, so you can meet from a space where you feel comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD?
In general, PTSD is often linked to a specific traumatic event, while complex PTSD is tied to trauma that was repeated or long-lasting. Complex PTSD also commonly involves struggles with emotions, self-worth, and relationships.
Will you diagnose me?
Therapy focuses on understanding what you’re going through and helping you feel better. I’m glad to talk with you about your experiences, but a label isn’t required to get support.
Can people really recover from long-term trauma?
Many people find meaningful relief with support and time. Healing often isn’t a straight line, but it is possible.
Ready to Talk?
You’ve carried this long enough. Call me at (970) 541-0890 or use the contact form to schedule an online session.
Your safety matters. If you are in danger, call 911. If you are thinking about suicide or are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). For support with abuse, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.