What Is Complex Trauma?

Complex trauma (also known as chronic trauma or C-PTSD) refers to prolonged exposure to stressful or traumatic experiences, often beginning in childhood (developmental trauma). Unlike single-event trauma or PTSD, such as an accident, complex trauma can have long-term psychological, emotional, and physical effects, sometimes lasting a lifetime. Causes of complex trauma can include:

• Prolonged Trauma Exposure: Experiencing repeated or continuous trauma, such as abuse or  neglect - this can be benign or severe.  It can be any experiences - single or compounded, which led to our needs being unmet resulting in core wounds such as not feeling good enough or worthy of love or a being a failure. 
• Attachment Disruptions: Insecure childhood attachments can lead to emotional deregulation  and relationship difficulties, including fears of rejection or abandonment. Factors like poverty, discrimination, or domestic abuse can compound trauma.
• Personality & Cultural Factors: Sensitivity, prior mental health challenges and cultural attitudes towards trauma can influence the development of complex trauma.

Christine Courtois notes that trauma affects identity and low self-perception, often leading to diminished self-worth and difficulty in relationships. It also leads to seeking external validation and approval from caregivers, even if to the detriment of ourselves. This can result in prioritising others before ourselves and people pleasing behaviours. Click here to learn more about why we seek external validation.  

Complex trauma can manifest in chronic pain, fatigue, autoimmune disorders and other health issues. The persistent activation of the stress response the body balance, contributing to long-term physical distress as a physical manifestation of emotional stress on the body. 

Understanding our lived experiences and breaking free from any patterns of behaviour requires awareness, understanding and self-compassion. The first step is recognising the patterns and their origins, then developing healthier beliefs and behaviours. Self-reflection or therapy can help uncover the unconscious drivers behind these cycles and provide personalised tools for change. Healing is about supporting yourself with patience, kindness, and care. As Dr. Brené Brown says, "owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do."