Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is often a deeply confusing and overwhelming diagnosis. Those who have suffered deep relational confusion and trauma in their childhood often feel unsure if they are feeling too much or too little. In fact, these folks often wonder if THEY are too much. Complex PTSD has us wondering what the right feelings are to have and, more disturbingly, how to trust the self. When our childhoods were complicated, lonely and scary our adult lives tend to feel the same way. Our relationships seem to live within the echoes of our past experience despite our best efforts to escape.

While there are many quick fixes for trauma advertised these days, I have come to believe that we heal best in safe relationship free from the social costs of doing or saying it wrong. I am here to tell you that the neuroscience agrees. Indeed, being in safe relationship in a safely contained space is deeply somatic in itself. At the end of the day, the research supports only one solid idea. We feel safer in all relationships once we feel safe in one relationship.  While somatic tools such as EMDR, breathwork, Yoga and guided somatic experiencing can be helpful for trauma, they can also be risky. Many adults who suffer from C-PTSD have had people in power who are meant to be safe tell them what to do with their bodies before. And it has not been safe.

The most up to date neuroscience supports this theory of talking in safe relationship over time. The neuroscience is clear. Relational trauma is best healed through relational repair. The body and brain need a lot of time to fully utilize their amazing capability for nervous system re-wiring and neuroplasticity. AND talking in safe relationship releases dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin.  Those who have suffered their whole lives understand that the healing will take time. Many are even relieved that I know it will take time. For some it will feel strange that the relationship is healing without it being a constant labor or pain. That is often the trauma talking and saying that being in relationship must be very hard. That being well requires a lot of pain. But haven’t you had enough pain and struggle?

It is a big deal to decide to try long term treatment. Most of my clients are very happy that they have.

As a psychotherapist in private practice I am somewhat unique. For thirteen years prior to starting Private Practice I worked in community mental health settings with some of the most traumatized humans on the planet. Since starting my Private Practice in 2014, I have primarily treated adults and adolescents who experienced unthinkable trauma in their childhoods. I know how to hold you through the confusion. I know how to stick with you through the fear. I know how to not be afraid of your protective symptoms so that we can hold them together. I won’t run and hide. I won’t send you away for another treatment that is “better suited”. I’m here and I will consistently be here. Even when it is hard.

Ideally, our treatment relationship will allow you the grounding and launch-pad needed to create the meaningful relationships you are looking for. And it might take time. If you are willing to give me the time, I truly believe you will be grateful you did.