Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

Recovering from Complex PTSD with Elizabeth Ferreira

Jun 20, 2022

In this engaging conversation, Elizabeth Ferreira, a graduate of Somatic Psychology at CIIS and content creator on CPTSD, shares her personal journey with Complex PTSD. She candidly discusses the emotional landscape shaped by childhood trauma and the lingering effects it has on adult relationships. Elizabeth emphasizes the significance of creating safe spaces to process grief and repressed emotions, and the value of therapy in reconnecting with neglected parts of ourselves. Her insights provide a compassionate guide to navigating the challenges of CPTSD.

01:11:45

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Episode guests

Elizabeth Ferreira

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Quick takeaways

CPTSD results from cumulative small traumas over time, differs from singular-event PTSD.

Childhood experiences shape emotional responses and relational dynamics, impacting emotional regulation later in life.

Healing from complex trauma involves acknowledging intergenerational family trauma, therapy, and somatic interventions for emotional well-being.

Deep dives

Understanding Complex PTSD

Complex PTSD, often stemming from ongoing traumatic experiences, particularly in childhood, differs from PTSD originating from singular events. The symptoms, including flashbacks, low self-esteem, hypersensitivity, avoidance, lack of emotional regulation, intense guilt or shame, and dissociation, can accumulate over time. Personal experiences of childhood traumas, like emotional abuse and neglectful parenting, shape individuals' emotional responses and relational dynamics.

Intro

2min

Navigating Childhood Trauma

10min

Healing Through Loneliness and Generational Trauma

16min

Navigating Health Anxiety and Choosing Quality Care

5min

Navigating Complex PTSD and Connection

14min

Navigating the Complexities of Complex PTSD

21min

Understanding Complex PTSD and Its Childhood Origins

2min

Navigating Complex PTSD and the Healing Power of Relationships

5min

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is the result of the slow accumulation of many small traumatic experiences over time. On our most popular Being Well episode to date, Dr. Rick and Forrest Hanson explored the details of CPTSD with Pete Walker, and on today’s episode, Forrest is joined by his partner Elizabeth Ferreira to discuss the topic through a more personal lens. Elizabeth shares her CPTSD origin story, what CPTSD feels like, and how to create a compassionate environment with or without a therapist so you can safely process grief, experience out repressed emotions, and learn to express your needs.

Check out Elizabeth's NEW PODCAST!

About our Guest: Elizabeth is a recent graduate of the Somatic Psychology program at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), and is currently earning hours toward her MFT license. She creates content on YouTube and Instagram focused on CPTSD, PMDD, and becoming a more whole version of who you are.

Watch the Episode: Prefer watching video? You can watch this episode on YouTube.

Key Topics:

0:00: Introduction

2:15: Elizabeth’s story

5:20: Trauma in the broader family system

8:40: A “normal” story

11:50: Loneliness, and the parts of us we leave behind

15:00: Repressed emotions

17:10: Adverse childhood experiences

20:35: Stepping out of adverse environments

25:15: Trauma work as grief work

29:10: Symptoms of Complex PTSD

34:50: How do you need to be comforted?

37:30: Creating the sense of safety

40:30: Somatic interventions

45:30: Being witnessed

47:10: Claiming your needs

50:10: Facing the dreaded experience

53:50: Accuracy vs. sensitivity

57:05: Hidden parts

1:00:00: Start by joining

1:04:20: Recap

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