Quote:
Originally Posted by pegasus
I don't know about the DSM but in the UK Complex PTSD has been around for a while particularly with treating children who have endured long term abuse. Therapy is the answer for PTSD and Complex PTSD although the therapy for the latter requires great sensitivity and generally longer. The belief being that if a child endures long term abuse that it alters cognition also and a core inability to trust. Also PTSD is not just an anxiety disorder, it usually has a whole bunch of symptoms with it that have come from trauma. Anxiety, depression and flashbacks.
Hugs all  PTSD and complex PTSD is treatable although it may take a long time. |
I have been in therapy for 15 months with a psychologist who uses EMDR, considered a cutting edge therapy. I am an adult survivor of long term child abuse with its co-attendant symptoms of an inability to trust others--particularly those with power over me, like supervisors at work, for example.
I just returned from a seminar that combined a number of alternative methods, movement, inner focusing, and work with a partner on inner focusing and a form of sitting meditation using the breath as a focus.
I find these techniques to be the correct medicine for me at this time. I have just had an extraordinary experience of being able to bring forth memory of being loved, and deeply listened and attended to withiin my own body.
One of the things EMDR does, and all PTSD work should do, is establish safety and bring in self-soothing and self awareness techniques.
In retrospect, I understand the challenges I have personally gone through in the last few weeks in general to arise out of not having a deep enough base or foundation of these essential feelings of safety on a body sensation level to proceed further into trauma reduction through bringing down the emotional intensity of flashback and memory.
I'm integrating the experience now, and I sincerely wish you and all others the best in your healing journey. I think it would be lovely to hear more success stories and personal insights as we all go about the business of getting well.
Take care,
sky dancer