Complex trauma (also known as complex PTSD) is a broad term that refers to repeated wounding within the context of a relationship.

A few examples that come to mind for me: childhood or adult sexual, physical, or emotional abuse (including neglect); surviving domestic violence; religious or spiritual abuse; having a partner or caregiver with narcissistic tendencies; and growing up with a parent or caregiver who was unpredictable and/or unable to meet your physical or emotional needs.

I think it’s also important to note the additional layer of relational wounding that often happens to people who are part of marginalized groups (BIPOC, LGBTQ+ folks, people who exist in larger bodies, disabled folks, neurodivergent folks, etc).

Complex trauma can leave you with a sense of not quite knowing who you are, yet with a desire to fully own your identity. It can make it difficult to trust yourself enough to advocate for your needs, set healthy boundaries, and feel safely connected in your relationships. I can help you rediscover what it means to feel safe in your body, have more confidence in your ability to cope with big feelings, and integrate the narrative of what’s happened to you so that it becomes one part of your story, instead of the loudest part.