Complex Trauma: Signs, Causes, and Healing with EMDR Therapy
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What Is Complex Trauma?
Complex trauma refers to prolonged or repeated exposure to traumatic experiences, especially in relationships or environments where there is no safe escape. These experiences often occur in childhood or during vulnerable life stages and can have lasting impacts on emotional, physical, and relational wellbeing.
Unlike a single traumatic event, complex trauma shapes the brain, body, and nervous system over time. Healing requires approaches that address these deep-rooted effects. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is one such evidence-based approach.
Examples of Complex Trauma
Complex trauma typically involves experiences that are chronic, interpersonal, and inescapable. Examples include:
Childhood Abuse and Neglect
Ongoing physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, or chronic neglect during childhood years.
Prolonged Domestic Violence
Living in an abusive relationship where leaving feels unsafe or impossible.
Human Trafficking or Captivity
Long-term captivity, exploitation, or forced labor.
Living in War Zones or Under Political Oppression
Repeated exposure to violence, displacement, or persecution.
Ongoing Discrimination or Systemic Oppression
Racism, sexism, ableism, or other forms of chronic societal trauma.
Institutional or Medical Trauma
Repeated invasive medical procedures, neglect in care settings, or abuse in institutions.
Signs & Symptoms of Complex Trauma
Complex trauma leaves lasting effects that may show up in emotions, relationships, and the body. Signs include:
Emotional Dysregulation: difficulty regulating emotions and chronic anxiety.
Negative Self-Concept: persistent feelings of shame, guilt, or worthlessness.
Relational Difficulties: mistrust, feeling disconnected, and intense fear of rejection.
Somatic Symptoms: chronic pain, tension, fatigue without medical cause.
Hypervigilance: always on guard or anticipating danger.
Dissociation: Feeling disconnected from one’s body and environment
Feeling stuck in the past: flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive memories.
How Complex Trauma Affects the Body
Complex trauma is stored not just in the mind but in the body. Chronic trauma changes the nervous system, keeping it in a heightened state of alert. This can lead to persistent tension, exhaustion, and difficulty feeling safe. Healing involves addressing both the mind and body, which is why somatic-based approaches and EMDR therapy are so effective.
Healing Complex Trauma with EMDR Therapy
EMDR is a proven therapy that helps reprocess traumatic memories so they become less emotionally charged. For complex trauma, EMDR can:
Reduce distress associated with traumatic memories
Improve emotional regulation
Shift negative beliefs about self
Support a greater sense of safety and connection
EMDR works with the brain’s natural healing processes, making it a powerful option for complex trauma recovery.
How I Work with Clients
I’m Tannaz Alagheband, LCSW, a certified EMDR and somatic-based therapist in Irvine, California. I work with adults with complex trauma, anxiety, perfectionism, clients going navigating infertility and reproductive trauma as well perinatal anxiety and trauma. My trauma-informed approach blends EMDR with somatic-based mindfulness to help clients feel grounded, empowered, and free from the weight of the past.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
Complex trauma leaves deep marks — but healing is possible. If you’ve experienced prolonged trauma and want to reclaim your wellbeing, EMDR therapy may be the path forward.
