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complex interpersonal trauma

Posted , 5 users are following.

hedda99
hedda99

Hi all, can anyone tell me if complex trauma is the same as complex PTSD (cPTSD)? 

Also, I've been referred to a group for people who have experienced complex trauma. It isn't to talk about it, more of a how to manage the symptoms and accept what's happened type of thing. Has anyone else been to such a group (in the UK)? And did it help?

Thanks

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Adldiane
    Adldiane hedda99

    Posted

    Hi Hedda glad you wrote in. Can't answer your question about PTSD but I have been in 2 groups and learned so much. I learned from several people as opposed to one therapist. As a matter of fact I did one on one therapy and a group at the same time and boy did that help me. I am a big fan of group therapy. Hope this helps. Diane. 

    • hedda99
      hedda99 Adldiane

      Posted

      Thank you. I'm both nervous (because I'm scared I'll break down) and relieved (because I need the help) about going. I've not had any type of therapeutic help so far, only medication which doesn't tackle the 'issues'. 

  • hypercat
    hypercat hedda99

    Posted

    Hi funny enough I looked up the difference in this the other day.  PTSD is flashbacks and issues from a single traumatic event ie a car crash..  Complex PTSD is so called because it lasts a lot longer and has more time to become a part of person's behaviour and personality.  A good example is of a child or young adult living with ongoing abuse over years etc. x

    • hedda99
      hedda99 hypercat

      Posted

      Hi Hypercat, yes I looked it up yesterday but it only confused me as I couldn't find a definitive answer that the two things were separate or the same thing! I haven't had an official diagnosis with a psychiatrist yet (appointment is not till Spring!) but the letter I got from my initial assessment says 'complex interpersonal trauma'. I've wondered before if I might have cPTSD (years and years of constant emotional/mental abuse and high stress). I think I want to know so badly because I have real trouble validating how I feel. I feel so guilty about my moods and over-reactions etc. I've tried and tried to 'get better' and not lose control, and I hate myself when I do.

  • wayne1962
    wayne1962 hedda99

    Posted

    Hi Hedda - I was in a group for Survivors of Child Abuse. We met every Wednesday - about 15 of us, all male. When we were more comfortable with each other after the first couple of sessions, it proved a very moving experience. Not only was there a space for us to recount and grieve over what had been done to us, the variety of accounts and impacts in those lives were a real education. Each could feel and reflect the others pain, express it in different ways, in new ways, in ways that gave a fresh perspective and understanding for someone else. There was no judgement in the room. The honesty was moving.  We were all there for the same reason. Group therapy is definitely something worth trying.
    • hedda99
      hedda99 wayne1962

      Posted

      Wayne, I'm sorry about what happened to you. It's incomprehensible to me anyone could hurt a child in any way. I'm glad the therapy helped you. Like I said to hypercat, I have a huge problem with validation. If the therapy helps even just with that, so that I don't feel so ashamed and guilty for being such a 'failure' (because that's how I feel - like a failed human being), then that will be massive. 

    • wayne1962
      wayne1962 hedda99

      Posted

      Hi again Hedda - go for it. I hope you find the relief you deserve - and no doubt make new friends in the process. The very best of luck to you - and we are always here to talk. 
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