Complex Trauma
Complex trauma, or Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), is a form of repetitive, interpersonal trauma that often occurs during childhood, such as sexual abuse or domestic violence (Courtois, 2008). In 2015, 9.2 out of every 1000 children were reported as victims of neglect (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2017). As these children develop into adulthood, evidence of complex trauma may appear in the form of cognitive and behavioral impairments, as well as various mood and personality disorders (Olson-Morrison, 2017). Treatment is often focused on the disorders rather than the actual trauma itself. Courtois (2008) outlines seven areas of impairment which serve as diagnostic criteria for complex trauma. She argues that cultivating
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Department of Health and Human Services (2017) found that in 2015 over 683,000 children were found to be victims of some form of abuse. Of those children, 75.3% experienced neglect, 17.2% experienced physical abuse, and 8.4% were sexually abused with some of children experiencing polyvictimization. Children of caregivers that abused drugs or alcohol, or that were inflicted by domestic violence were at a higher risk for maltreatment. It has been found that four or more adverse experiences during childhood greatly increases the likelihood of disorders such as anxiety, major depression, substance use, and antisocial behavior into adulthood (Tarocchi et al., 2013). Courtois (2008) highlights the characteristics encountered as these children reach …show more content…
While exposure therapy is a common treatment for PTSD patients, one issue in working with individuals who endorse complex trauma is that they may face retraumitization if they have not first established and learned how to preserve feelings of safety. Following assessment, Courtois (2008) argues that the sequencing of the treatment is important and should be especially cautious in the beginning while the foundations of safety and emotion regulation are being established. She presents a three-stage model that should be
Department of Health and Human Services (2017) found that in 2015 over 683,000 children were found to be victims of some form of abuse. Of those children, 75.3% experienced neglect, 17.2% experienced physical abuse, and 8.4% were sexually abused with some of children experiencing polyvictimization. Children of caregivers that abused drugs or alcohol, or that were inflicted by domestic violence were at a higher risk for maltreatment. It has been found that four or more adverse experiences during childhood greatly increases the likelihood of disorders such as anxiety, major depression, substance use, and antisocial behavior into adulthood (Tarocchi et al., 2013). Courtois (2008) highlights the characteristics encountered as these children reach …show more content…
While exposure therapy is a common treatment for PTSD patients, one issue in working with individuals who endorse complex trauma is that they may face retraumitization if they have not first established and learned how to preserve feelings of safety. Following assessment, Courtois (2008) argues that the sequencing of the treatment is important and should be especially cautious in the beginning while the foundations of safety and emotion regulation are being established. She presents a three-stage model that should be