3).įor individuals exposed to narcissistic abuse over a long stretch of time, whether in work, family or romantic relationships, the individual has absorbed trauma on many levels – physiologically, cognitively, and emotionally. It is delineated from this better known trauma syndrome by five of its most common and troublesome features: emotional flashbacks, toxic shame, self-abandonment, a vicious inner critic and social anxiety (pg. One of the more recent books published, entitledComplex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving(2013) by trauma therapist Pete Walker, discusses C-PTSD as: C-PTSD is a more severe form of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Subsequently, many pioneers in the field of trauma have elaborated on the concept and addressed different pathways for healing to occur (see resources at end of article).

In the trauma literature, Judith Herman, author of the seminal work,Trauma and Recovery(1992) was the first to coin the term, Complex-PTSD. I am honored to bear witness to the transformation before me with the incredible work my clients embark upon to reclaim their wellness.

Fortunately, recovery is probable and hopeful, with skilled, compassionate help. Treatment for this aptly termed complex fusion of anxiety, depression, grief, and reclamation of healthy relationships and self of sense is a multi-faceted process requiring much commitment by both therapist and client, unconditional positive regard of the therapist, and endurance and fortitude by both.

Surviving to thriving pete walker