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Complex Trauma Therapy - Inner Light Psychotherapy, Houston, TX

Complex Trauma Therapy

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Table of Contents
  1. What is trauma?
  2. What is complex trauma or C-PTSD?
  3. What are the symptoms of trauma?
  4. How can Internal Family Systems (IFS) help me heal from trauma?

What is trauma?

Bessel van der Kolk defines trauma as “an event that overwhelms the central nervous system, leading to a loss of control over emotional and physical responses.”

Trauma is not solely about the event itself but rather how it impacts an individual’s sense of safety, their ability to regulate emotions, and their ability to form healthy connections with others.

What is complex trauma or C-PTSD?

Bessel van der Kolk defines trauma as “an event that overwhelms the central nervous system, leading to a loss of control over emotional and physical responses.”

Trauma is not solely about the event itself but rather how it impacts an individual’s sense of safety, their ability to regulate emotions, and their ability to form healthy connections with others.

What are the symptoms of trauma?

Once again, trauma manifests differently in different folks. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms encompass various areas and can be categorized into four main groups:

  • Category 1: Re-experiencing
    involves parts of us holding recurrent and unwanted memories of the traumatic event. This may manifest as sudden flashbacks, nightmares, or intense distress triggered by reminders.
  • Category 2: Avoidance
    This pertains to our parts’ attempts to steer clear of trauma-related thoughts, feelings, places, activities, or individuals.
  • Category 3: Arousal and reactivity
    This relates to the body’s heightened stress response, leading to easily being startled, a constant state of alertness, sleep difficulties, and emotional outbursts.
  • Category 4: Cognition and mood changes
    This refers to long-lasting shifts in one’s mindset following trauma, such as negative self-perception, a pessimistic worldview, feelings of guilt, shame, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, and challenges in maintaining close relationships.

How can Internal Family Systems (IFS) help me heal from trauma?

A fundamental component of Internal Family Systems (IFS) is creating a safe internal space. This involves cultivating a non-judgmental environment where your parts can freely express themselves without fear of criticism or rejection. This safe space encourages openness and allows for the exploration of emotions, beliefs, and memories related to the trauma.

IFS acknowledges that trauma often leads to the development of protective parts. These parts may have taken on roles such as hyper-vigilance, dissociation, or numbing emotions as a means of self-protection. In IFS, you can compassionately understand and work with these protective parts, gradually helping them release their burdens and restoring balance within your internal system.

Another essential aspect of IFS is the healing of exiled parts. Exiled parts carry the pain, memories, and emotions associated with the trauma. Through IFS, you can reconnect with these exiled parts in a safe and regulated manner. By acknowledging and validating their experiences, you create an opportunity for their healing and integration into your internal system, promoting overall healing and well-being.

IFS also facilitates trauma resolution by gently processing and releasing traumatic memories and emotions. It recognizes your innate wisdom and healing capacity, allowing you to access these inner resources.

With IFS, you can engage in the healing journey at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you, promoting gradual and lasting trauma resolution.