Home » Therapy » Trauma and PTSD » Complex PTSD

If you have been exposed to difficult events over a long period of time, you may have developed complex PTSD. Help is available.

What is complex PTSD?

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is a form of post-traumatic stress disorder that can develop after experiencing repeated and prolonged traumatic events. In addition to regular PTSD symptoms like re-experiencing traumatic events, avoidance of reminders and heightened vigilance, individuals may also have problems with self-perception and emotional regulation.

Complex PTSD can occur in situations such as domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, war situations or torture. Studies have shown that about 1-8% of the population has C-PTSD. Help is available.

What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!

Benedetta Osarenk


Our counsellors

Click here to view all psychologists, therapists, and coaches.

Is complex PTSD an official diagnosis?

At present, C-PTSD is not recognized as an independent disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). However, the World Health Organization has included complex PTSD in the latest version of the ICD-11 diagnostic manual.


Book a meeting

Fill in the form, choose a counsellor and proceed to payment.

Symptoms of complex PTSD

In complex PTSD, you have the same symptoms as in regular PTSD, but you have some additional symptoms that mainly relate to your relationship with yourself and others. Symptoms of PTSD include:

  • Re-experiencing the trauma through nightmares or flashbacks
  • Avoidance of feelings, places and situations that remind them of the trauma
  • Impact on thoughts and feelings with numbness, difficulty remembering things, negative feelings such as guilt, shame and anger, as well as impact on self-image and negative thoughts about the world.
  • Increased activity in the nervous system, which can lead to insomnia, irritation and difficulty concentrating.

Complex PTSD also has these additional symptoms:

  • More severe problems with self-esteem, self-confidence and a negative self-image.
  • Problems with interpersonal relationships where you may have difficulty establishing and maintaining healthy relationships. You may feel powerless if you are reminded of traumatic events. There may also be problems with trust, attachment and social interaction.
  • Changes in emotion regulation which may include problems with impulse control, self-harm or substance abuse as a way of coping with difficulties.

Complex ptsd and relationships

In complex PTSD, the impact on relationships is often significant. If you have experienced prolonged and often repeated trauma, your relationships with others may change. You may have difficulty with trust and closeness.

Children, but also adults to some extent, tend to shame and blame themselves. It is important to get the right help in order to improve their self-image and build trust. Safe, supportive relationships are important for people with complex PTSD. It is possible to regain control of your life and have better relationships.


Why Lavendla?

4,7 of 5 in 5000+ reviews

Thousands of clients trust Lavendla Therapy for delivering exceptional service and support.

Choose your own counsellor

Browse and select a counsellor based on reviews, area of focus, and education, ensuring you find the perfect match.

45, 60 or 90 min sessions

Choose a 45, 60, or 90-minute session, or a package, providing flexibility and control over the duration and intensity.

Complex PTSD treatment

There is little research on complex PTSD but there are some methods that can be helpful. Judith Herman is an American psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School who has worked extensively with severe trauma and has written the book ‘Trauma and Recovery’. She says that long-term counselling is important. This is because longer contact may be needed to rebuild trust in relationships.

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy or other treatments used for PTSD can also be helpful. It is important to get a coherent narrative of your life and to process memories related to difficult events. It is also important that you have a secure relationship with the therapist, get a grounded sense of reality and develop a stable self-image. Treatment may take a little longer, but it is possible to feel better.

We are ready to make the difficult easier

If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms and feelings described, it may be a good idea to talk to a psychologist or therapist. You can easily book an initial session with one of our experienced staff today to take the first step towards treatment.


12 frequently asked questions about complex ptsd

What is complex PTSD?

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is a form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that develops after experiencing repeated and prolonged traumatic events.

How does complex trauma develop?

Complex PTSD can develop in situations such as domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, war situations or torture. What these situations have in common is the frequent exposure to severe trauma that often lasts for a long time.

What are the most common symptoms of complex PTSD?

The symptoms of complex PTSD include the symptoms of simple PTSD with re-experiencing, avoidance behaviour and heightened vigilance, but there are also difficulties with self-organization that manifest themselves in negative self-perception, difficulties with emotion regulation and problems with interpersonal relationships.

How is complex PTSD diagnosed?

Complex PTSD is not yet an official diagnosis in the Canadian health care system, but it is included in the upcoming ICD-11 diagnostic manual.

Can complex PTSD be cured?

There is currently little research on treatment for complex PTSD but there are treatments such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), supportive counselling and medication that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

How are relationships affected by complex PTSD?

In complex PTSD, the impact on relationships is often significant. If you experience prolonged and often repeated trauma, your relationships with others may change. You may have difficulty with trust and closeness. You may feel useless and powerless in different situations. It is possible to improve with long-term contact with a therapist or psychologist whom you trust and rely on. Help is available.

Can personality changes occur after trauma?

If you experience trauma, your thoughts, feelings and behaviours can change so that you act in ways you wouldn’t otherwise. It is possible to get help with this in therapy.

What is the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD?

In complex PTSD you have the symptoms of simple PTSD but you may also have additional difficulties with negative self-perception, emotion regulation and interpersonal relationships

Can children have complex PTSD?

Children can suffer from complex PTSD just like adults. It is important to get the right help. This may involve contacting Children’s Aid Society if necessary and support from healthy adults close to the child, but also treatment by qualified professionals with experience with PTSD.

Is complex PTSD related to depression?

Yes, you can have complex PTSD and depression. Many people with complex PTSD also have other mental health conditions and may develop problems such as self-harm and substance abuse to cope with their emotions.

Are there many people with untreated complex PTSD?

It is difficult to say how many people have untreated complex PTSD, but about 1-8% of the population have the condition.

How can you seek help?

If you or someone you know is suffering from complex PTSD or trauma, it is important to seek professional help. You can book an appointment with a psychologist or therapist via our website. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, call 911, call or text the National Suicide Hotline at 988, or go to your nearest emergency department.

Can you get rid of complex ptsd?

It is possible to work through severe trauma and complex PTSD, but it takes some time. You cannot undo what has happened, but you can work through it so that it no longer affects you as much in everyday life. Through therapy, you can become better at identifying triggers, managing emotions, and improving your self-confidence and self-image. So it is possible to feel better.

More support for complex PTSD

Even if you have experienced things that have led to complex PTSD, it doesn’t mean you can’t live a good life, but you may need more support. Therapy, friends, family, and support groups can be helpful. It is also important to focus on activities that you enjoy and that feel meaningful.

Although it can feel uncomfortable, or even overwhelming, therapy has many benefits. It gives you a safe place to express and explore your feelings, which can significantly help the recovery process. It takes strength to take the first step towards recovery.


Written by Sophia Coulter

Sophia is a registered nurse with experience in inpatient, emergency and community mental health care. She has a passion for providing emergency support for those experiencing mental health crises.