Treating Complex PTSD with EMDR Therapy: A Journey to Recovery

Living with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) can be incredibly challenging, but there is hope for healing and recovery. One effective therapeutic approach gaining recognition is Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). In this blog, we'll explore how EMDR can be a powerful tool in the journey towards healing from complex PTSD.

Understanding Complex PTSD: Complex PTSD typically arises from prolonged exposure to trauma, often in situations where a person feels trapped or powerless. It can result from childhood abuse, domestic violence, or any situation where an individual experiences chronic trauma. Symptoms of C-PTSD can include flashbacks, emotional dysregulation, dissociation, and difficulty in forming healthy relationships.

What Is EMDR Therapy? EMDR is a psychotherapeutic approach developed by Francine Shapiro. It's based on the idea that trauma-related memories can get "stuck" in the brain and contribute to emotional distress. EMDR helps individuals process these memories and integrate them into their overall mental health in a more adaptive way.

The EMDR Process:

  1. History Gathering: Your EMDR therapist will gather information about your trauma history and your current emotional state. This establishes a foundation for treatment.

  2. Resource Development: Before delving into traumatic memories, your therapist will help you develop coping skills and relaxation techniques to ensure you feel safe throughout the process.

  3. Desensitisation: During this phase, you'll focus on a specific traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, which can be achieved through eye movements, hand taps, or auditory cues. This process helps desensitise the memory's emotional charge.

  4. Reprocessing: With the emotional intensity reduced, you'll work with your therapist to reprocess the memory, making new associations and connections that are less distressing.

  5. Integration: The final phase involves integrating the insights gained during therapy into your daily life. This may involve addressing negative beliefs or self-perceptions that arose from the trauma.

Benefits of EMDR for C-PTSD:

  • EMDR can help individuals process deeply rooted traumatic memories.

  • It may reduce the emotional intensity associated with these memories.

  • Improved emotional regulation and symptom reduction.

  • Enhanced self-esteem and self-compassion.

  • Better overall mental health and well-being.

Conclusion: Healing from complex PTSD is a journey, and EMDR can be a valuable tool on that path. If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of C-PTSD, consider reaching out to a qualified EMDR therapist. Remember, recovery is possible, and you don't have to face it alone.

This blog-style overview provides a glimpse into how EMDR therapy can be beneficial for individuals dealing with complex PTSD. If you have more specific questions or would like to delve deeper into any aspect of this topic, feel free to ask.

Amanda Murray, Psychologist

 

Understanding the Difference Between PTSD and Complex PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) are mental health conditions that can result from exposure to traumatic events. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct characteristics that set them apart. In this blog post, we'll delve into some key differences between PTSD and C-PTSD, helping you gain a better understanding of these conditions.

1. Trauma Types:

  • PTSD: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events. These can include:

    • car accidents;

    • violent personal assaults, such as sexual assault, mugging or robbery;

    • combat experiences; and

    • childbirth experiences.

C-PTSD: Complex PTSD, on the other hand, stems from prolonged exposure to trauma. It results from repeated and prolonged trauma, such as:

  • emotional, physical, or sexual abuse or neglect;

  • repeatedly bearing witness to violence;

  • repeatedly bearing witness to suffering; or

  • captivity.

It's often more severe if the trauma was experienced early in life, as this can affect a child's development.

2. Duration of Exposure:

  • PTSD: PTSD is associated with a single traumatic event, and symptoms can develop shortly after the incident or it can occur weeks, months or even years later.

  • C-PTSD: C-PTSD involves enduring trauma over an extended period. It typically develops when individuals are exposed to trauma for months or even years, leading to more profound and pervasive symptoms. Complex PTSD can cause similar symptoms to PTSD and may not develop until years after the event.

 3. Symptoms:

  • PTSD: Symptoms of PTSD may include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event. Someone with PTSD often relives the traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks, and may experience feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt.

    • They may also have problems sleeping, such as insomnia, and find concentrating difficult.

    • These symptoms are often severe and persistent enough to have a significant impact on the person's day-to-day life.

  • C-PTSD: C-PTSD symptoms encompass those of PTSD. However, people with CPTSD may also report other distressing symptoms that can include:

    • long-term difficulties in maintaining relationships;

    • difficulties with emotional regulation;

    • strong feelings of worthlessness and guilt;

    • a sense of hopelessness; and

    • suicidal thoughts.

4. Treatment:

  • PTSD: Treatment for PTSD often involves Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), Cognitive-Behavioural therapy (CBT), medication, or a combination of these approaches.

  • C-PTSD: C-PTSD is specifically linked to long-term, pervasive trauma, making it more complex and challenging to treat due to the numerous and interconnected symptoms. Therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), medication and Schema Therapy may be used.

Conclusion: While PTSD and C-PTSD share some similarities in terms of symptoms, they are distinct in their origins and complexities. It's essential to recognise these differences to provide appropriate support and treatment for individuals suffering from these conditions. Whether you or someone you know is dealing with PTSD or C-PTSD, seeking professional help is crucial for recovery and healing. Remember that both conditions are treatable, and with the right support, individuals can reclaim their lives and well-being.


Amanda Murray, Psychologist

Mind & Body Psychology acknowledges the Jagerra and Turrbal peoples as the first inhabitants and traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. We pay our respects to the Elders, past and present, and are committed to honouring all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ cultural and spiritual connections to the land, waters, and seas, and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.

The Director of Mind & Body Psychology contributes 3% of her salary to: Pay the Rent (Aborignal Grassroots Intiative), IndigenousX (Indigenous owned media outlet), the Westerman Jilya Indigenous Scholarship (scholarships to support the training of more Indigenous psychologists), and Bush Heritage (a not-for-profit that purchases land and partners with traditional owners to restore and protect Country).