Complex PTSD and PTSD: What's the Difference?

Complex PTSD vs. PTSD

One of the most common misunderstandings about Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is that it is the same as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 

While they share some symptoms, C-PTSD is different from PTSD.

It often happens after you experience repeated trauma, examples would be:  

  • Childhood abuse or neglect
  • Human trafficking
  • Domestic violence 

People with PTSD: 

  • Re-experience their trauma through memories, nightmares, or flashbacks
  • Avoid reminders of their trauma either in what they think about or by avoiding certain people or places
  • Are hyper-reactive to upsetting experiences

Because of the length of time and repeat nature of the traumatic events, people with Complex PTSD have the symptoms of PTSD plus other symptoms: 


The most common symptom is feeling separate or disconnected from yourself! In addition to that you may: 

  • Have a hard time managing your feelings
  • Have negative thoughts about yourself
  • Use coping strategies that are harmful
  • Fear being left by those you love
  • Have a hard time trusting others
  • Have a tough time setting boundaries

This list does not include every experience you may have, but it's a good start!


Is some therapy better for Complex PTSD? 


Yes! When you know the difference between CPTSD and PTSD it can help you figure out what will help you heal. The therapy that is most helpful engages your mind and your body in healing. Some examples are: 

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps engage the calmer parts of your brain while you talk through a memory making the memory less intense. 
  • Brainspotting helps lessen fight or flight and improves your ability to manage your feelings.
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) helps you integrate various parts of yourself; including bringing your various feelings and thoughts into harmony with each other. 
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) gives you tools to help you manage your feelings.
  • Somatic Experiencing (SE) helps build body awareness and improves your ability to tune into your own wisdom for healing.
For more information go to my website at https://www.resolvetorise.com/.

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