PTSD and Complex PTSD

PTSD doesn’t have to define you

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) develops after experiencing trauma and involves persistent symptoms such as intrusive memories, nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance, emotional numbness, and sometimes addictive behaviors. It can also cause dissociation - feeling disconnected from your thoughts, emotions, body, or surroundings, like you’re “zoning out,” watching yourself from the outside, or feeling numb.

PTSD typically follows one or a few traumatic events.

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) arises from prolonged or repeated trauma, often but not always caused in childhood, such as ongoing abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. In addition to standard PTSD symptoms, C-PTSD affects self-identity, emotional regulation, and relationships.

People with C-PTSD may experience chronic anxiety, deep dissociation, low self-esteem, difficulties trusting others, and long-term patterns of coping that impact daily life.

Healing C-PTSD often requires specialized, integrative approaches addressing both mind and body.

How Hypntoherapy and Somatic EMDR can offer support

Both hypnotherapy and Somatic EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) are effective modalities to heal from PTSD or C-PTSD.

Hypnotherapy works directly with the subconscious mind, where unresolved memories, emotional patterns, and trauma responses are stored. In a safe, deeply relaxed state, it helps calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety, hypervigilance, emotional triggers, and dissociation—the feeling of being disconnected from your body, emotions, or surroundings that often occurs after trauma.

These treatments help you process traumatic memories, reduce flashbacks and nightmares, and develop healthier emotional responses. They support both mental and physical healing and address stress patterns, dissociation, low self-esteem, and coping behaviors like addictions.

Through creating new subconscious patterns, hypnotherapy and Somatic EMDR foster emotional regulation, resilience, and a renewed sense of safety and empowerment.

Not sure if you have PTSD or Complex PTSD? Here’s a list of common symptoms to help you understand what you might be experiencing:

PTSD Symptoms:

·       Intrusive memories/flashbacks of the trauma

·       Nightmares or disturbing dreams

·       Intense emotional distress/ physical reactions to reminders

·       Hypervigilance (feeling constantly “on edge”)

·       Irritability or anger outbursts

·       Avoidance of people/places/or situations related to the trauma

·       Emotional numbness or detachment

·       Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) Symptoms:

Include all PTSD symptoms  above plus:

·       Chronic feelings of shame, guilt, or worthlessness

·       Persistent sadness or depression

·       Difficulty regulating emotions (e.g., intense anger, anxiety, or sadness)

·       Dissociation or feeling disconnected from the body or self

·       Problems with self-esteem and self-identity

·       Difficulty trusting others or forming healthy relationships

·       Patterns of self-harm or maladaptive coping (addictions, overworking, etc.)

·       Feeling constantly unsafe or “on alert”

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your doctor or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical or mental health concerns.