Understanding Complex Trauma: How It Differs from Other Trauma

When people hear the word “trauma,” they often think of a singular event, like a car accident, a natural disaster, or an assault. While those experiences can absolutely be traumatic, it’s important to know that not all trauma looks the same.

Some people go through something called complex trauma, which isn’t tied to just one, single event but rather a series of painful experiences that take place over time. Understanding what makes complex trauma different from other forms of trauma is important for recognizing its impact and learning healthier ways to heal. Let’s learn more about complex trauma and how it differs from other forms of trauma.

What We Usually Mean by Trauma

Typically, trauma refers to a single overwhelming event that threatens a person’s sense of safety and security. Psychologists sometimes call this type of trauma acute trauma. For example, someone who survives a car crash may experience flashbacks, nightmares, or anxiety connected to that specific incident. Even though the effects can last a long time, the trauma itself usually traces back to that one clear event.

What Makes Complex Trauma Different

Complex trauma, on the other hand, develops from repeated or ongoing experiences, often experienced during one’s childhood. This might include things like chronic abuse, neglect, or growing up in an environment where safety and stability were lacking or missing completely. Instead of one big event, it’s the constant buildup of distress that leaves a long-lasting impact. Because it happens over a long period, complex trauma can shape the way someone sees themselves, others, and the world around them.

The Unique Impact of Complex Trauma

While any type of trauma can affect mental health, complex trauma often runs much deeper. People may struggle with trust, self-worth, emotional regulation, or even a sense of their own identity. For example, instead of just feeling anxious about a certain trigger, someone with complex trauma might feel unsafe in everyday situations or have a constant sense of shame or guilt. It can influence relationships, decision-making, and how someone reacts to stress in general.

Healing Complex Trauma

Healing complex trauma usually requires more than just addressing symptoms. It means slowly rebuilding a sense of safety, trust, and self-understanding. Even though your past shapes you into the person you are today, it doesn't have to completely define you or control your life. Here are a few ways that you can actively work to heal from complex trauma.

Give Yourself Grace

It's important to remember that healing isn't linear. There will be ups, downs, setbacks, and breakthroughs along the way. Try to give yourself grace and be gentle with yourself during this time. No matter how big your progress is, any progress is helping your work toward recovery and healing.

Building Safety and Stability

Healing begins with creating a sense of safety, both internally and externally. This might mean establishing healthy routines, setting boundaries in relationships, or learning grounding techniques to calm the nervous system. Feeling safe is the foundation that allows deeper work to happen, especially when exploring painful memories or emotions.

Seek Additional Support

Professional help can make a big difference. Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or schema therapy is specifically designed to help process trauma. Support groups and trusted friends can also provide understanding and connection, which counteract the isolation that often comes with complex trauma. Having supportive relationships and dynamics can be a huge part of the recovery process.

Next Steps

While all trauma can leave a mark, complex trauma is different because of its long-term and repeated nature. Instead of one event, it’s the ongoing absence of safety and security that shapes a person’s experiences. Understanding this distinction helps us approach healing with more patience and compassion. Complex trauma doesn’t have to define someone’s entire story or life moving forward. Reach out today. With the right support, it's possible to move forward, find strength, and create a sense of safety.

About the Author

Lindsey Yochum, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the founder of Attune Counseling Center. She leads a dedicated team of therapists committed to providing personalized care and attention to foster growth, self-discovery, and empowerment. Their therapy practice is committed to supporting individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. They offer both in-person and online services.