The hardest part of healing complex trauma: A therapist explains | Health

Complex trauma refers to the psychological state in which a person is exposed to repeated painful experiences during childhood or adulthood. Explaining this, therapist Maysal Eshagian says, “Unlike a single traumatic event, complex trauma involves a series of traumatic events or a pattern of continuing trauma, and often , it involves interpersonal relationships and a lack of safety and support. Complex trauma often stems from childhood experiences.” Emotional neglect, lack of parental love, in response to these adverse circumstances, a person may form a false self in order to seek connection and security, which can result in a state of danger. may cause. Healing from complex trauma involves rebuilding one’s true identity and addressing the emotional scars caused by these early experiences. ”

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The therapist further explained that when people face emotional neglect for a long period of time, they begin to believe that their feelings don’t matter. This guilt further extends from childhood to adulthood and becomes an important element of complex trauma. Meitar Eshagian describes the most difficult part of healing from complex trauma:

deal with sadness: One of the most important things in dealing with complex trauma is understanding grief and how it affects us. Grief goes through stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. This can also change family and adult relationships.

raising awareness: To have a more objective perspective on behavior patterns and how you feel. This process involves feelings of anger and frustration, and changes the way you view others.

build a sense of self: Complex trauma can affect one’s sense of identity. Building a sense of identity and self-worth from the ground up helps you know that you can trust yourself.

accept the truth: Conflicting emotions often prevent us from seeing what is right in front of us. One of the most difficult parts of healing from complex trauma is accepting the truth.