Complex trauma and Complex PTSD (CPTSD) can develop after prolonged or repeated experiences of trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or other overwhelming life events. These experiences may arise not only from what was done to us, but also from what was not done; sometimes from the absence of safety, care, or understanding when we most needed it.

The effects of complex trauma can be emotional, physical, and are often deeply relational. They can shape how we experience ourselves, how we trust others, and how we navigate the world. Many people with complex trauma come to therapy feeling a sense of brokenness or disconnection from parts of their identity. Many of us hold a belief that our struggles mean we are failing, that we should have coped better, leaving us feeling judged by others or harshly judging ourselves.

Complex trauma can leave us with patterns of fear, shame or hyper-vigilance, that may once have protected us but can also limit our ability to feel safe or connected. These patterns can feel inescapable, yet they are often rooted in earlier attempts to manage unbearable experiences. Facing this can be particularly complex for people who continue to experience traumatic events and adversity in the present. There has at times been a tendency within the mental health field to dismiss or minimise the experiences of those who have suffered prolonged interpersonal trauma. My approach emphasises the importance of recognising trauma as a multifaceted experience that affects individuals not only personally, but also within societal and systemic contexts.

In my work, I take a relational and integrative approach to supporting people with complex trauma and CPTSD, recognising that no two experiences of trauma are the same. My focus is on creating a safe and containing space where experiences can be processed at a manageable pace, and where new ways of relating and being that feel grounded, authentic or connected might emerge.