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I m p e t u s
Wellcome at Impetus Counselling & Psychotherapy.

PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder/ Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD-CPTSD)

“Let’s embark on this transformative journey toward renewed strength, understanding and true healing”.

At Impetus, I offer compassionate, evidence-based therapy to help you
navigate the challenges of complex PTSD. Through personalised
approaches like Trauma-Focused CBT, DBT, and Narrative Exposure
Therapy, I will skilfully transform your trauma/ complex trauma into
resilience and reconnect with your authentic self and emotional balance.
With supportive environment, you’ll find tools to reduce shame, and
honour your dignity, empowering you to feel whole again

Understanding Post-Traumatic and Complex Trauma Stress Disorders

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Trauma Stress Disorder are responses to deeply distressing or life-threatening experiences. While PTSD typically develops after a single traumatic event, Complex Trauma arises from prolonged or repeated exposure to traumatic circumstances, often during childhood or in abusive relationships.

What is PTSD?

PTSD occurs when an individual struggles to recover from the psychological impact of a traumatic experience. These events might include accidents, natural disasters, violence, or other life-altering incidents.

Symptoms of PTSD:

  1. Intrusive Thoughts: Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories of the event.
  2. Avoidance: Avoiding places, people, or situations that trigger reminders of the trauma.
  3. Hyperarousal: Constantly feeling on edge, irritable, or having difficulty sleeping.
  4. Emotional Numbing: Detachment from others, reduced interest in activities, or difficulty expressing emotions.

What is Complex Trauma?

Complex Trauma, also known as Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), stems from repeated exposure to traumatic situations, often during developmental years. It’s commonly associated with chronic abuse, neglect, or captivity.

Symptoms of Complex Trauma:

  1. Difficulty Regulating Emotions: Intense feelings of shame, guilt, anger, or sadness.
  2. Relationship Struggles: Fear of abandonment, difficulty trusting others, or unhealthy relationship patterns.
  3. Distorted Self-Perception: Feeling unworthy, helpless, or disconnected from oneself.
  4. Physical Symptoms: Chronic pain, fatigue, or other health issues linked to prolonged stress.
  5. Dissociation: A sense of detachment from reality or oneself, often as a coping mechanism.

The Impact of Trauma

Untreated trauma can lead to long-term effects on mental, emotional, and physical health, including:

  • Anxiety and depression.
  • Substance abuse or other unhealthy coping mechanisms.
  • Difficulty maintaining relationships.
  • Impacts on work, school, or daily functioning.

Healing from Trauma

At Impetus, we use evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches to help clients overcome the effects of PTSD and Complex Trauma, including:

  1. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT):

    • Identifying and challenging negative thoughts associated with trauma.

  2. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):

    • A proven method to process and reframe traumatic memories.

  3. Somatic Experiencing:

    • Releasing trauma stored in the body through mind-body connection techniques.

  4. Internal Family Systems (IFS):

    • Healing the fragmented parts of the self caused by trauma.

  5. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:

    • Reducing hyperarousal and increasing emotional regulation.

  6. Psychoeducation and Support:

    • Helping individuals and their loved ones understand trauma’s effects and the path to recovery.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

Healing from trauma is possible with the right support and guidance. At Impetus, we provide a safe, compassionate space to help you process your experiences, reclaim your inner strength, and build a brighter future.

Contact us today to begin your journey to recovery and resilience.