C-PTSD
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is a condition that can develop in individuals who have experienced prolonged and repeated trauma, such as childhood abuse or neglect, domestic violence, or captivity. It is characterized by a range of symptoms, including emotional dysregulation, difficulties with self-esteem, problems with relationships, and a distorted sense of self.
Extended Resourcing
Clients with complex trauma resulting from significant childhood experiences usually find it difficult to organize their thoughts and articulate their feelings. They are easily overwhelmed and often see very little opportunity for hope, lack belief in their skills or ability to access safety, and feel powerless to the possibility that life could look different for them. These individuals often have little access to what we refer to in EMDR as the adaptive network. In other words, they have a very limited ability to see the positive side of any strengths or times when they have been capable of advocating for themselves successfully. In order to assist these clients with the EMDR process, we need to spend time building their adaptive network and strengthening beliefs, qualities and other skills that they would like to have or feel they would need to have in order to do this work.
Benefits of EMDR for C-PTSD
EMDR can help individuals work through the root causes of their C-PTSD symptoms, such as childhood abuse or neglect, by reprocessing traumatic memories and changing negative beliefs about themselves. It can help clients regulate their emotions by reducing the intensity of traumatic memories and increasing their ability to cope with distressing emotions. EMDR can improve client’s relationships with themselves and others by learning self-trust. It enhances the development of a more positive and realistic sense of self, leading to increased self-esteem and self-compassion, which is a missing attribute in trauma victims. Clients who experience EMDR report a significant reduction in symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression.
Increasing My Skills
EMDR has become my primary modality for clients. It’s a practice that requires ongoing training, learning, and the opportunity to grow through consultation. When I was first trained in 2019 I used it as much as I could with clients. When I recognized that I wanted to get better at it and learn more, I became Certified in 2020. This last year I pursued Consultation status and now I’m an Approved EMDRIA trainer. This last week I assisted in training 18 therapists in this incredible modality. One thing that I recognize as I continue to train and offer consultation, is that I am always learning, and being challenged by questions that I need to seek further answers for and additional consultation. I believe that to really master the art of EMDR a therapist needs to always be willing to learn and expand their understanding of trauma and attachment. I have a mindset that encourages me to be the best version of myself and help my clients really unpack the complexity of both Big T and Little T trauma.
I Will Never Become Complacent
I’m committed to excellence and finding new and creative ways to bring clients relief from symptoms. I expect that clients who want to do this work will bring their willingness to embrace this process, and stay dedicated to the experience and challenge of the work. Our mind is always seeking to heal itself. Trusting the process and sticking with it allows motivated clients to start to attack one negative belief at a time and then replace it with a more adaptive belief that completely changes their perception about themselves. This is a powerful process and it’s a privilege to be on the journey with clients.
You can find out more about EMDR here.
