Complex trauma generally refers to traumatic stressors that are interpersonal, that is, they are premeditated, planned, and caused by other humans, such as violating and/or exploitation of another person. Common, everyday examples of these stressors include but are not limited to Robbery, Physical Assault, Sexual Assault/ Rape and Interpersonal abuse and violence.
Basically, psychological trauma is defined not from the event itself, but from the fact that the individuals’ neurocircuitry and neurophysiology are overwhelmed, disrupted and negatively impacted to a degree that the individual’s neuropsychological mechanisms are unable to cope with the stress of the event. The cascade of symptoms that ultimately occur due to this inability to adapt to, and find meaning in the event lead to neuropsychological systems that maladapt and these mal-adaptations form the basis of the traumatic symptoms.
Dr Reshie (Suresh) Joseph is a clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of PTSD, Complex Psychological Trauma, Addictions and other Disorders of Extreme Stress Not Otherwise Specified (DESNOS)
