Why is self-perception and emotional regulation affected in CPTSD survivors?

Complex trauma is a multifaceted issue that profoundly impacts individuals' self-perception and emotional regulation, often manifesting as negative self-views and feelings of helplessness. This emotional turmoil, deeply rooted in trauma, necessitates a compassionate approach to healing, where individuals are encouraged to acknowledge and engage with challenging emotions as opportunities for growth. Tanner views complex trauma as a multidimensional human experience, shaped by various factors including personal context, interactions, and even epigenetic influences. Drawing from their experiences, Tanner advocates for a deep, intentional commitment to the healing journey, emphasizing the need for self-leadership and energetic shifts to facilitate true healing. By embracing vulnerability and befriending protective parts, Tanner promotes an approach to healing that is both precise and intentional, ultimately transforming the cellular composition of the body from the inside out.

Key TakeAways

- CPTSD can significantly impact one's self-perception and self-esteem, leading to a distorted and negative view of oneself.

- Individuals with CPTSD often struggle with controlling their emotions, experiencing explosive anger, persistent sadness, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.

- Managing emotions in individuals with CPTSD is a common challenge, often leading to a sense of helplessness and decision-making based on emotionally charged states.

- Wounded younger parts in CPTSD survivors are often hidden, requiring deep trust-building through internal work to access and heal.

- Recognizing Nothing Bad or Wrong in Trauma Recovery can bring relief and provide compassionate self-leadership.

- Approaching trauma healing with light and love involves nurturing and understanding the root causes of emotions rather than suppressing them.

Actionable Insights

- Find ways to release charged emotions to lessen the burden on oneself

- Lean into intense emotions and meet oneself with compassion

- Build deep trust with wounded younger parts through internal work

- Acknowledge that nothing bad or wrong is happening in trauma recovery

- Fully commit to the healing process by facing difficult emotions head-on

- Approach trauma healing with light and love by nurturing and understanding root causes

Quotes

“At some point, most of us have some sort of life event related to our inability to control our emotions that just makes it crystal clear that this has become unmanageable, this is not sustainable, and something needs to change.” —Tanner  [04:12]

“Unlike the emotions of a non-traumatized human, or human without CPTSD, humans with CPTSD have these emotions that are interwoven into very primitive life or death fear frequencies.” — Tanner [05:49]

“These emotions are not just based on our human experience. they are also based on what we inherited from our family trauma intergenerationally.” — Tanner  [09:27]

“Healing CPTSD, recovering from CPTSD is about leaning into the very charged emotions. Not separating or distancing yourself from them, but meeting yourself and all your parts in those moments very directly.” — Tanner  [11:52]