Understanding the Difference Between CPTSD and PTSD
When clients first come to my therapy office struggling with trauma symptoms, they often wonder if they have PTSD or CPTSD. As a therapist who specializes in helping people overcome guilt and shame, I find that understanding these differences can be the first step toward healing.
What is PTSD?
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) typically develops after a single traumatic event. This could be:
A car accident
A natural disaster
Military combat
A physical attack
Any life-threatening situation
Traumatic birth of a child
People with PTSD often experience:
Flashbacks - Feeling like you're reliving the trauma
Nightmares about the event
Avoiding places, people, or things that remind you of the trauma
Being easily startled or feeling on edge
Negative thoughts about yourself or the world
What is CPTSD?
CPTSD (Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) develops from repeated trauma over a long period of time, especially when the person couldn't escape the situation. Examples include:
Ongoing childhood abuse or neglect (also known as Developmental Trauma)
Long-term domestic violence
Being a prisoner of war
Living in a war zone for years
Human trafficking
Ongoing medical challenges
CPTSD includes all the symptoms of PTSD, plus:
Difficulty managing emotions - Feeling overwhelmed by feelings or completely numb
Negative self-perception - Deep feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and shame
Difficulty with relationships - Trouble trusting others or feeling close to people
Distorted perception of the abuser - Either seeing them as all-powerful or being preoccupied with revenge
Loss of meaning - Feeling hopeless or that life has no purpose
The Key Differences
The main difference between PTSD and CPTSD is not just the symptoms, but what causes them.
PTSD typically comes from a single trauma or a short-term traumatic situation. The person usually had a normal life before the trauma happened.
CPTSD comes from long-lasting trauma, often starting in childhood when the brain is still developing. This can deeply affect how a person sees themselves and relates to others.
The Shame Factor
Shame seems to play a much bigger role in CPTSD than in PTSD. When trauma happens repeatedly, especially by someone who should protect you, it's common to believe there's something wrong with you.
This shame isn't just a feeling - it becomes part of how you see yourself and becomes engrained in your physiology and emotional reactivity. It's like wearing glasses that make everything look darker.
Treatment Approaches
Both PTSD and CPTSD can be treated, but the approaches may differ:
For PTSD, treatment often focuses on processing the specific traumatic event using therapies like:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
For CPTSD, treatment usually takes longer and can include:
Brainspotting Therapy
Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CBT)
Plus additional focus on:
Building emotional regulation skills
Healing relationship patterns
Addressing core shame beliefs
Developing self-compassion
Moving Forward
Whether you have PTSD or CPTSD, know that healing is possible. Understanding the difference between these conditions can help you make sense of your experiences and find the right kind of Trauma Therapy.
In my years of practice, I've seen countless people transform their relationship with trauma. The path isn't always easy, but with proper support, you can reduce symptoms, build healthier relationships, and develop a stronger sense of self-worth.
If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or someone you care about, reaching out to a trauma-informed therapist is a powerful first step toward healing.
