How Is Complex Ptsd Treated?
Question: How is Complex PTSD treated? I was in an abusive relationship that ended 10 months ago. I am in no danger from this man, but my fear is becoming all-pervasive. I am having more and more episodes of "re-living" the events, and the feelings and fear are greater now than they were at the time. I have read about Complex PTSD and it seems to fit what is happening with me. Vicki
Answer (1) PTSD can involve a vicious cycle of intrusive memories of past traumatic experiences and avoidance (an attempt to reduce the associated anxiety). One form of tackling intrusive memories is called imaginal exposure. It involves the practitioner getting the client to relive the most intrusive or problematic memories in their mind, but with a focus on sensory information, thoughts and feelings at the time of the trauma (in your case, physical abuse). For example, questions like "What could you see while the assault was occurring?" and "What thoughts were going through your mind at the time?" are fairly typical to this approach. People often have underlying thoughts at the time such as, "I'm going to die", or "I'm never going to see my children again". By going over the memories in such detail, often many times, it desensitises you to them, thus reducing the anxiety. Psychologists refer to this as habituation. In a nutshell, it's a process that helps you to learn that the memories are simply memories - they cannot harm you in the present.
It is difficult to explain such an involved approach in a couple of paragraphs, but I hope this gives you an idea. I work for a victims of crime service, so I deal with various sorts of trauma (especially domestic violence) on a daily basis. I think it's important to find a practitioner that you feel comfortable with, and who has had appropriate training. This is especially the case if you're having symptoms such as re-experiencing past events, intense anxiety/hyperarousal and avoidance. You can contact the victims' services line in your state and they should be able to provide you with contact details for free counselling through a community agency or a private practitioner (private practitioners are usually reimbursed for the sessions, making them free for you).
Answer provided by Graham Cox, Psychologist
Answer (2) I am no expert in PTSD but I believe the "complex" in this context applies to the form of Dissociative Identity Disorder involved with this level of PTSD. Training I attended last year with Nederlands authority, Dr. Ellert Nijenhuis, demonstrated the co-existence of many partially developed and conflicting personalities within persons exposed to multiple trauma from an early age. Work in drawing out each "character" within the persons mind and integrating the personality into a developed whole appeared to be a long-term process requiring very precise and exhaustive therapy. The Delphi Centre in Melbourne specialises in such trauma and may be a very helpful source of guidance. The centre is known to trauma specialists across Australia and to international practitioners in the field.
Answer provided by John Hunter, Counsellor
