ERETM2 :: 01. Complex Trauma

Embodied Relating Exploring Trauma and how it impacts our relationships

This week we will dip our toes into understanding complex trauma.

What is complex trauma?

From this site:

"Complex trauma describes both children’s exposure to multiple traumatic events—often of an invasive, interpersonal nature—and the wide-ranging, long-term effects of this exposure. These events are severe and pervasive, such as abuse or profound neglect. They usually occur early in life and can disrupt many aspects of the child’s development and the formation of a sense of self. Since these events often occur with a caregiver, they interfere with the child’s ability to form a secure attachment. Many aspects of a child’s healthy physical and mental development rely on this primary source of safety and stability."

Complex trauma is chronic, it is repeated experiences over a long period of time, often years, if not decades. Complex trauma can, and often does, include developmental trauma (trauma that occurs prior to the age of four years old), relational trauma (trauma within relationshi…