What is Complex PTSD (“CPTSD”) or Relational Trauma?

CPTSD, also known as Relational Trauma or developmental trauma, is often a complex presentation of trauma symptoms that stem from past interactions and violations in relationships over a longer period of time. At Denver Emotional Health, we have an extensive history of treating the variety of presentations of complex PTSD, and specialize in treating clients most other clinicians refuse to treat due to the difficult nature of their symptoms.

While many people may experience a single incident that results in their trauma symptoms, individuals who suffer from Complex PTSD or Relational Trauma have often suffered or experienced a series of repeated violations that occurred in relationship settings. Relational/developmental traumas can occur in childhood from abusive or neglectful caregivers or bullies at school, as well as in adulthood from abusive partners or unhealthy colleagues at work. What many people don’t realize is that anxiety, depression and other difficult to treat diagnoses are often the result of untreated, undiagnosed Complex PTSD, and that the neglect is often significantly emotional as well as physical.

Signs & Symptoms of CPTSD

The symptoms of CPTSD or Relational Trauma include excessive feelings of guilt or shame, difficulty controlling emotions, periods of losing attention and concentration (even dissociation/depersonalization/derealization), anxiety, depression, physical symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, chest pains and stomach aches which are often unexplainable by other medical conditions, as well as difficulty connecting/feeling close to others or cutting oneself off, as well as other relationship difficulties, self-destructive, risky or impulsive behaviors such as self-harm, alcohol/drug abuse, and suicidal ideations/thoughts.

Many times people are misdiagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, when really they suffer from CPTSD/Relational Trauma. While certain therapies have been shown to be somewhat effective for single incident traumas like exposure therapy and EMDR, these therapies lack effectiveness for complex PTSD/relational trauma.

Our Approach To Treating Trauma

At Denver Emotional Health, we focus on utilizing the most effective trauma-informed treatments. We utilize science and research-backed methods such as Internal Family Systems Therapy, Affect Exposure Therapy, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy to treat complex trauma and other stress-related disorders. If you are in or around the Denver area and feel that you would benefit from treating your PTSD or CPTSD, contact us today for a free phone consultation or to schedule your appointment.

Learn more about how we treat trauma and CPTSD.

Learn more about legal psychedelic-assisted therapies  we offer that can help you with your struggles.