Complex Trauma

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About

PTSD and Complex trauma are not the same. Complex trauma is often the result of prolonged childhood trauma, though it can develop from trauma in adulthood as well. Repeated and prolonged exposure to stressful events such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment, violence, alcoholism, and poverty often result in complex trauma. This type of trauma can occur over months or even years, which makes it different from other types of trauma. 

Adding to the “complexity” to “complex trauma,” when complex trauma is developed in childhood, the child is often abused by the same parent they were dependent upon for food, shelter, clothing, nurturing, guidance, and emotional safety. Many aspects of a child’s healthy physical and mental development rely on a primary source of safety and stability, not having this can interfere with the child’s ability to form a secure attachment, and they may become conditioned to interact with the world from a heightened state of threat assessment. In a constantly changing environment, regulating love and fear can become survival skills, and ultimately, their emotional state may become dictated by others.

When someone experiences complex trauma they can develop chronic psychological conditions that can lead to a disconnected or dissociative experience in life, and heightened or flattened emotional responses. They may also have difficulty developing and maintaining long-term relationships. Recovery is possible, and working with a professional can help you recover from complex trauma and its effects.

Common Challenges

  • thinking everything is your fault
  • an inability to maintain close friendships or long-term dating relationships
  • heightened or flattened emotional responses
  • emotional reactions grossly out of proportion to what would be expected
  • a disconnected or dissociative experience.
  • feeling like a child in your adult life

Meet our specialists

How does Lifeologie help?

Discuss your concerns with our intake specialists.

When you reach out to Lifeologie, you’ll be connected with one of our Intake Specialists. In a “call center?” No way. Our specialists are based in our local Lifeologie offices and know the counselors well. Their entire job is to learn about you and what you’re looking for and to match you with the counselor who will be the very best fit for your needs and preferences.

Find a counselor that is passionate about helping you reach your mental health goals.

Lifeologists are counselors, life coaches and overall wellness advocates who are experts and specialists in their craft. From EMDR to nutrition coaching, brain spotting to play therapy, we have you covered. Even our offices are carefully curated to feel modern, comfortable and inviting. Counseling at Lifeologie is not your typical counseling experience – in any way.

Receive continuous support and guidance as you go on your mental health journey.

Your counselor at Lifeologie will meet you wherever you are, whether you’re just starting in counseling for the first time ever… or returning to a life-long counseling journey after a break. Your Lifeologist will partner with you to meet your goals. Wherever you are, we come alongside and help you move forward!

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about lifeologie

Lifeologie Institute was founded in 2000 with one goal in mind — to bring a fresh, innovative approach to the everyday problems of life. Creative solutions to stuck problems. With our unique multi-specialty, collaborative approach, Lifeologie helps individuals and families heal their wounds and break out of old, unhealthy patterns.