The Best Strategies for Healing After Complex Trauma

The Best Strategies for Healing After Complex Trauma

By Dr. Jamie Huysman, Founder and ED of STAR Network

Most people have heard of PTSD — post-traumatic stress disorder — but fewer are familiar with its more complex counterpart: CPTSD.

Unlike PTSD, which typically stems from a single traumatic event, complex PTSD (CPTSD) is the result of long-term, repeated trauma — often inflicted by someone the survivor trusted or was dependent on. Think of childhood abuse, domestic violence, prolonged captivity, sex trafficking, or repeated emotional neglect. This form of trauma changes more than just memory — it alters identity, trust, and the nervous system itself.

But healing is possible — and you’re not alone.

What Is Complex PTSD (CPTSD)?

CPTSD, also known as complex trauma disorder, arises from chronic trauma — mainly when the trauma occurs within relationships involving unequal power dynamics. The trauma survivor may experience emotional and psychological damage that distorts their sense of self and safety in the world.

This can look like:

· Deep-rooted shame, guilt, and helplessness

· Feeling fundamentally unworthy or “broken”

· Ongoing fear, even in the absence of immediate threat

· Trouble connecting with others, or fear of abandonment

· Emotional dysregulation and dissociation

Unlike PTSD, which can focus on fear responses to a traumatic event, CPTSD often leaves survivors with a broken internal compass — unsure of what’s safe, who to trust, and how to function in relationships.

When Trauma and Addiction Intersect

For many living with CPTSD, substance use becomes a form of survival — a way to dull the pain, quiet the memories, or make it through the day.

Whether it’s alcohol, prescription medications, or other substances, addiction is not a failure — it’s often a symptom of deep, unresolved trauma…

If this is your experience, know this: you are not alone, and there is nothing wrong with you. Trauma-informed care that addresses both CPTSD and addiction (called dual diagnosis) is available and essential for real healing.

The 3 Phases of Healing from CPTSD

Healing from CPTSD is not a straight line. It requires compassion, support, and the right therapeutic environment.

Here are the three main phases of recovery:

1. Establishing Safety

The first step is building a foundation — a sense of stability within your family, safety, and trust. This includes:

· Learning emotional regulation tools such as breathwork

· Managing flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety taking EMDR sessions

· Creating healthy routines and boundaries

· Gaining awareness of trauma responses (understanding your triggers)

· Possibly using medications for support (seeking counselling)

2. Remembrance and Mourning

This is the courageous work of facing the past. With tools in place, survivors begin to:

· Revisit traumatic memories

· Grieve what was lost

· Process emotions through talk therapy, expressive therapies, or EMDR

· Identify the beliefs trauma created about self-worth, safety, and identity.

3. Reconnection and Empowerment

The final phase is about reclaiming your life. You are not your trauma. You are so much more. This stage includes:

· Rebuilding your identity

· Creating meaningful relationships

· Pursuing purpose and passion

· Deciding who and what gets to stay in your new life.

For many, this is where true transformation begins — not just surviving but thriving.

No One is Turned Away! You Are Invited: STARs Day – May 16th.

If you’ve survived toxic or abusive relationships, are navigating CPTSD, or are in recovery from addiction, we want you to know that you are welcome here. STARs Day, by STAR Network, is a special gathering on May 16th starting at 9 AM EDT (exhibit opens at 10 AM EDT) — a safe space to honour your journey, connect with others who get it and begin (or continue) your healing process surrounded by community, compassion, and empowerment.

This is your invitation to come exactly as you are. You do not have to carry your story alone!