CPTSD
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Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) can develop after prolonged or repeated trauma. Alongside core PTSD symptoms, many people experience deep shame, difficulty trusting others, emotional numbness, or feeling permanently on edge.
Therapy offers a steady, confidential space to understand how your nervous system has adapted, process what happened at a pace that feels safe, and rebuild a sense of stability and connection.
How to choose a therapist for cptsd
Complex trauma often develops over time rather than from a single event. You may notice hypervigilance, shame, difficulty trusting, emotional numbness, or relationships that feel repeatedly difficult. A trauma-informed therapist will prioritise safety and pacing.
There is no rush to recount everything in session one. Good trauma work builds stability first — helping your nervous system feel safer — before going deeper into memory or meaning.
- Look for therapists who mention trauma, PTSD, CPTSD, or abuse in their issues.
- Ask about their training in trauma-informed or trauma-focused approaches (EMDR, sensorimotor, IFS, and similar).
- Notice whether you feel rushed to disclose — you should be in control of what you share and when.
New to therapy? Read our gentle introduction. Browse therapists who work with cptsd.
Alexandra Brown
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Lucy Wainwright