Simple and Complex Trauma
Psychological trauma is the emotional response that arises after experiencing a highly stressful or threatening event. It depends not only on the event itself, but also on how the person experienced it and on the internal and external resources available at that time.
Simple trauma
Simple trauma stems from a specific, time-bound event, such as an accident, an assault or a sudden loss.
Common characteristics of simple trauma
Intrusive memories or nightmares.
Avoidance of related stimuli.
Hypervigilance or startle response.
Emotional changes following the event.
Intervention
The approach usually focuses on strengthening resources, improving emotional regulation, restoring a sense of safety and processing the traumatic memory.
Complex trauma
Complex trauma arises when a person has been repeatedly and persistently exposed to adverse situations, particularly within relational contexts (during childhood, with partners or with attachment figures).
It can occur, for example, in situations of gender-based violence, neglect or ongoing abuse.
Common characteristics of complex trauma:
Difficulties with emotional regulation.
Problems with self-esteem and identity.
Persistent feelings of shame or guilt.
Difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
Dissociative symptoms.
Intervention:
Intervention for complex trauma will require a phase of stabilisation and emotional regulation, followed by the processing of traumatic experiences to integrate and rebuild a sense of identity.