If you read our last blog that covered Acute Trauma and how to live your life after traumatic events and thought you had it down, you might read the title of this and think, "oh great, there is another level to this trauma thing?".

Yes, there is a difference between acute trauma and complex trauma and what they look like in adult life. The difference has to do with the interpersonal nature and duration of the trauma.

Complex trauma occurs when the traumatic events weren’t a single incident but a series of compounding incidents happening over time, usually in a relationship. Complex trauma can result when a parent, caregiver or even romantic partner abuses or neglects us. Sometimes this can be so subtle or happen so early in life, that the person suffering from complex trauma doesn’t know why or can’t remember what happened to them. When we grow up in families like this we might think it’s normal because that’s all we know.

If you’re ready to get help from an expert, contact us today! We can help you with in-person marriage counseling in Temecula, CA and individual therapy in Riverside, CA. We also offer virtual counseling to any resident in California.

Understanding the Complexity of Trauma with Marriage Counseling in Temecula Ca

Some of the symptoms someone experiences from complex trauma overlap those experiencing acute trauma and might show up as:

• general anxiety

• depression

• flashbacks

• avoiding circumstances that feel familiar to traumatic events or locations

• distorted sense of self

• difficulty controlling emotions

• significant relationship challenges

Symptoms of complex trauma can also include:

• feelings of worthlessness, shame, and guilt

• finding it hard to connect with other people

• feeling angry or distrustful toward the world

• feeling you are permanently damaged or worthless

• feeling that no one can understand you or what happened to you

I hope you can see how all of these symptoms can make your relationships more challenging. That doesn’t mean that you caused them or even want them. But the parts about difficulty connecting, feeing chronically misunderstood, living with a lot of shame, guilt or distrust just makes relationships harder for both you and those who love you.

Seeking help with a therapist who understands trauma in Temecula Ca

It's all such a daunting task to heal from complex trauma and how it impact your relationship. I can absolutely understand why someone might want to stay blissfully ignorant to this and not face a truly enormous demon. And, the hard truth about discovering, processing, and healing from trauma is that even though you did not choose to carry this burden, we carry it nonetheless and it is our responsibility to heal.

I think of it as the worst gift anyone could ever bestow upon you and it comes with no return receipt, so now we are left to manage the disposal of it. This tends to be an inflection point at which clients either roll their sleeves up and find their "why", or turn tail and decide they are not ready. I say this to prepare you for the time when it starts to feel overwhelming and you wonder to yourself if it’s worth it. Complex trauma is what it sounds like...complex, the path forward may include complex solutions. And we can help you through it. You do not have to be defined by your trauma any longer!

At Inland Empire Couples Counseling we offer the best marriage counseling we can! Our couples therapists are trained in helping couples heal from infidelity, substance use in relationships, childhood trauma, communication skills, as well as providing the LGBTQIA+ community with pride counseling. We have online couples counseling in California. We have couples therapy in Riverside, CA. We also have marriage counseling in Murrieta CA or the Temecula Valley. Please reach out for help by clicking the button below to schedule a free 15 minute consultation with our Intake Coordinator.

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