The terminology and diagnoses can hinder people from getting the help they need.  Complex trauma survivors — those with CPTSD — don’t even realize they’ve experienced trauma.

It is unrealistic to expect people to promptly self-diagnose as a complex trauma survivor, or single incident trauma survivor, or a person with PTSD or CPTSD.  If we jump into a specific definition of trauma too soon, we may confuse and lose people who otherwise would be willing to take that first step — noticing their coping skills are no longer working in their current daily life and reaching out for help. 

Being inclusive when it comes to trauma…

When I talk about trauma, I am talking about all trauma. I use the term trauma survivors because it’s inclusive. It covers everyone with the symptoms (coping skills) we talk about. It covers those who have experienced single incident trauma, or complex relational trauma as children — and every shade of gray in between. CPTSD, PTSD: It’s all trauma. All deserve help and healing. 

For some people, learning about CPTSD as a diagnosis can be helpful. Knowing others share this diagnosis can help them feel less alone, and more supported knowing there are others who feel similarly.

A therapist’s role…

It’s so important for therapists to be able to sit with their clients, and make space to witness their struggle. Trauma-informed therapy opens a safe space to hold their emotions, and understand what they are experiencing, feeling and what their perception is.

It’s so important that we be present to listen to a client’s story and understand their perspective. How does it impact their life — then and now? 

Our first responsibility is to open and hold that safe space.

The term “trauma survivor encompasses a very large umbrella.  It takes time to be able to understand the depth of the trauma that developed for people, and the continued impact on their everyday life. Trauma that is complex and relational in nature presents symptoms that are relational. And just like the concept of relational trauma, helping a trauma survivor requires a more complex understanding than being present with the client.

No recovery from trauma is possible without attending to issues of safety, care for the self, reparative connections to other human beings, and a renewed faith in the universe. The therapist’s job is not just to be a witness to this process but to teach the patient how.” Janina Fisher, Ph.D.