Complex PTSD may be diagnosed in adults or children who have repeatedly experienced traumatic events, such as violence, neglect or abuse.  There are two main categories of trauma commonly referred to as Big “T” and little “t.” 

Big “T” traumas are the events most associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) including serious injury, sexual violence, or life-threatening experiences. Threats of serious physical injury, death, or sexual violence can cause intense trauma even

if the person is never physically harmed.

Little “t” traumas are highly distressing events that affect individuals on a personal level but don’t fall into the big “T” category. Examples of little “t” trauma include non-life-threatening injuries, emotional abuse, death of a pet, bullying or harassment, and loss of significant relationships.  Although little “t” traumas may not meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis, these events can be extremely upsetting and cause significant emotional damage, particularly if an individual experiences more than one event or if these traumas occur during important periods of brain development like early childhood and adolescence.

 Evidence now concludes that repeated exposure to little “t” traumas can cause more emotional harm than exposure to a single big “T”

traumatic event.

It may take years for the symptoms of complex PTSD to be recognizable, a child's development, including their behavior and self-confidence, can be altered as they get older.  

The symptoms of complex PTSD are like symptoms of PTSD, but may include:

§ A negative self-view with feelings of guilt and/or shame 

§ difficulty controlling emotions

§ periods of losing attention and concentration (dissociation)

§ physical symptoms (headaches, IBS, chest pain, etc)

§ isolating from friends and/or family

§ struggling with relationships due to loss of trust

§ destructive, impulsive and/or risky behavior, such as self-harm, alcohol misuse or drug abuse

§ thoughts of self-harm/suicide

People with complex PTSD often find it difficult to trust other people. You may be offered more therapy sessions than usual, so you have time to build a trusting relationship with your therapist. Psychotherapy may take place on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting. Therapy can help with stabilization so the client can: address their feelings, including distrust and negative worldviews, improve their connections with others, deal adaptively with flashbacks and anxiety

Toolbox Therapy uses certain types of trauma-focused therapy, including Internal Family System (IFS), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). 

With the right therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, people can manage or reduce their symptoms and improve their

overall wellness.

I offer kink and poly friendly psychotherapy and counseling services for BDSM and altsex folks. Sexual diversity is more than just LGBTQ and I believe all people deserve a psychotherapist who understands their identity issues and sexual practices without unnecessarily making that a focus of treatment. There will be no assumptions that the reasons you are seeking counseling are related to your kink or poly orientation. I will not assume abuse when you are in a BDSM relationship nor you are cheating or are tolerating cheating if you bring up other partners. 

Some clinicians are still not well-educated when it comes to BDSM, kink, and polyamory. So, I try to provide a safe judgement free space for altsex populations and sexual diversity. I will be mindful and sensitive that any distress you have about your sexual identity/diversity may be a normal part of internalized cultural bias against your sexual values rather than evidence of a disorder. I also will ask questions to get your perspective related to your kink or poly orientation to include consulting with colleagues who are more knowledgeable if you bring in issues that are outside of my knowledge base or boundaries of competence.