Characteristics of complex trauma:

Complex PTSD is a psychological trauma caused by long-term exposure to persistent sources of trauma (such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, and war). Unlike post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the manifestations of complex PTSD are more diverse and complex, often involving long-term emotional stimulation and cognitive distortions. Typical characteristics include extreme emotional swings such as anger, sadness, guilt, and shame; a strong denial of self-worth, often resulting in extremely low self-esteem; an intense fear and avoidance of intimacy, often manifested as distrust of others or over-dependence on others; excessive vigilance and anxiety; and recurrent traumatic flashbacks and dissociative symptoms. Complex trauma can affect all aspects of an individual's life, leading to emotional disorders, behavioral problems, and social difficulties. If not addressed promptly, it can lead to long-term mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, or personality disorders. Therefore, early intervention and multi-level treatment are crucial.

Course Objectives:

This course aims to help participants understand the concept and long-term impact of complex psychological trauma, focusing on its causes, symptoms, and diagnosis. Participants will understand the distinction between complex psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and will be able to identify different types of trauma and their long-term impact on individual mental health. Course dialogues will introduce various approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), to help participants master effective intervention strategies. Furthermore, the course will strengthen self-care and social support during the recovery process, helping participants establish healthy support systems and treatments to promote comprehensive recovery and maintain psychological well-being after trauma.

Lesson 161:Overview of Psychologically Complex Trauma

When the trauma is too deep and lasts too long, it’s not that you are too fragile, but that you have been too strong for too long.

Complex trauma isn't about you thinking too much, it's about you experiencing too much.

The starting point of healing is to acknowledge that the pain that is "unspeakable" is also worth being seen.

Lesson 162:Causes of complex psychological trauma

Some pains are not caused by one thing, but by a long period of repression and neglect.

You didn't become heavy suddenly, but you have been suppressed for a long time and finally can no longer remain silent.

Understanding the cause is not to blame others in retrospect, but to stop blaming yourself.

Lesson 163:Complex trauma symptoms

You are not emotionally unstable, but you are going through a long psychological war.

Emotional outbursts, relationship conflicts, self-denial... these are all cries for help from trauma.

Symptoms are not wrong, they are just proof that your mind has tried hard to survive.

Lesson 164:Diagnosis and assessment of complex psychological trauma

Being understood does not mean being labeled, but finally getting the name you deserve and no longer walking alone.

You have the right to know that your confusion is there for a reason and deserves to be taken seriously.

When you dare to face the complexity of yourself, healing has already begun quietly.

Lesson 165:Treatments for complex psychological trauma

Healing complex trauma is a process of slowly relearning trust.

It’s not about forgetting, but about learning to move on with memories.

You can pick up the scattered parts of yourself bit by bit and reweave the complete thread of your life.

Lesson 166:Recovery and self-care from complex psychological trauma

Self-care isn't a luxury; it's the daily tenderness you deserve.

You don’t need to heal overnight. Every deep breath you take and every good meal you eat is a victory.

Even if you have been hurt by the world, you deserve to be protected by yourself.

Please complete the course evaluation to review your learning and provide suggestions. This will help you deepen your understanding and help us improve the course.