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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.
Childhood experiences are foundational in shaping emotional responses and relational patterns. Growing up in a restrictive and emotionally challenging environment, with parental figures balancing work pressures and emotional unavailability, can lead to complex emotions. The inability to express certain emotions freely, such as the need to control oneself to prevent parental distress, can contribute to a pattern of emotional regulation challenges later in life.
The path to healing from complex trauma often involves acknowledging the intergenerational impact of family trauma. Recognizing self-protective mechanisms like dissociation and exploring repressed emotions are crucial steps. The significance of therapy in uncovering unresolved grief and developing trust, along with somatic interventions and safe spaces for emotional expression, becomes paramount in the journey toward healing and emotional well-being.
To manage negative thoughts and ground themselves in the present moment, individuals engage in physical activities like hugging trusted individuals or perceiving time as a fluid concept. By using humor and dissociation from time pressures, the nervous system is calmed. Clients in therapy sessions benefit from breaking patterns associated with time constraints, finding humor in the idea that time is a construct, leading to a pattern break that aids in settling the nervous system.
Acknowledging the impact of unmet childhood needs in shaping complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), the healing journey involves trusting therapists, expressing repressed feelings within a supportive space, and addressing suppressed needs from childhood. By allowing vulnerable parts to be witnessed without judgment, individuals experience healing by creating coherent narratives of their childhood experiences and embracing those needs vulnerably and authentically in relationships.
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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