What's the difference between Complex Trauma (C-PTSD) and Developmental Trauma?
Trauma is a term that involves a range of intensely distressing experiences and their lasting impacts on people. While many are familiar with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it is crucial to differentiate between other forms of trauma, such as complex trauma and developmental trauma. Complex trauma and Developmental trauma are often used interchangeably. They do have their similarities, however, understanding the differences between each can empower clients to better understand themselves and the survival mechanisms that may be part of their day to day lives and relationships.
Trauma responses are adaptations to stressors or highly dangerous situations - survival mechanisms. As Samuel Butler stated, "Self-preservation is the first law of nature." Viewing trauma through this lens helps us recognize that what we often categorize as mental health diagnoses are, in fact, adaptive responses to extreme circumstances.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is typically associated with an episodic source of trauma, often linked to a specific event or series of events. The symptoms of PTSD are highly correlated with identifiable triggers, which can evoke strong, distressing memories. These symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, all of which are tied to the memory of the traumatic event. PTSD is usually responsive to treatments that focus on processing these traumatic memories.
Complex Trauma
Complex trauma, on the other hand, stems from prolonged exposure to multiple sources of trauma. Unlike PTSD, the triggers in complex trauma are more generalized and pervasive, affecting the individual's overall sense of safety in their daily life. This type of trauma often involves ongoing situations of abuse, neglect, or chronic stress.
Individuals with complex trauma may experience a heightened state of alertness and hypervigilance, a constant feeling of being unsafe, and difficulties in regulating emotions. These symptoms can interfere with their ability to maintain healthy relationships and function effectively in daily activities.
Developmental Trauma
Developmental trauma occurs when traumatic experiences happen during critical periods of a child's development, combined with a lack of appropriate caregiver response. This form of trauma profoundly impacts the child's relational and nervous systems, leading to significant dysregulation.
The absence of caregiver support and the ensuing betrayal disrupt the child's fundamental ability to trust, creating deep-seated relational issues. Research has identified six distinct forms of dysregulation resulting from developmental trauma:
Affective Dysregulation: This area has to do with the difficulty with managing emotions and perhaps experiencing frequent mood swings.
Somatic Dysregulation: Focuses on physical symptoms such as chronic pain or gastrointestinal issues without a clear medical cause.
Attentional Dysregulation: Challenges with focus, attention, and executive functioning.
Behavioral Dysregulation: Impulsive behaviors and difficulty with self-control.
Relational Dysregulation: Struggles in forming and maintaining healthy relationships due to issues with trust and attachment.
Self-Perception Dysregulation: Negative self-image and feelings of worthlessness.
The Importance of Differentiating Trauma Types
Understanding the differences between complex trauma and developmental trauma is crucial for providing effective treatment. While PTSD can often be addressed with memory-focused treatments, complex and developmental trauma require a more nuanced approach that considers the pervasive and relational natures of these forms of trauma.
Woven Wholeness Services specializes in developmental trauma. With extensive training in the highly relational nuances of this form of pain, there is a great focus on building a sense of trust, safety, and security between the therapist and the client. Great value is placed on not just the cognitive work, but also the physiological (body-based) work as well. Let's face it...nobody is going to talk their way out of worthlessness/shame/hopelessness. With a strong attachment focus, the use of somatic therapies, expressive arts and brainspotting, you (and your body) can learn new ways of moving through the world without the underlying, subconscious fear of harm. You can learn how to trust, love, and thrive - not just survive.
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