Complex Trauma vs. PTSD: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters for Treatment
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops after exposure to a traumatic event. Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is a distinct diagnosis that forms after prolonged, repeated trauma, most often beginning in childhood. C-PTSD includes all PTSD symptoms plus deep disruptions in emotion regulation, self-concept, and relationships. Recognizing the difference is the first step toward finding the right treatment […]
Stellate Ganglion Block for PTSD: How It Works & What the Research Shows
The stellate ganglion block (SGB) is a minimally invasive medical procedure. It involves the injection of a local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion — a cluster of sympathetic nerve cells in the neck. The purpose of the SGB is to calm the overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system (‘fight-or-flight’ response), which underlies many PTSD symptoms. […]
Complex PTSD and Sleep Problems: When It Signals a Need for Structured Care
Complex PTSD (CPTSD) is a trauma disorder caused by prolonged or repeated trauma, such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, or captivity. It includes all the symptoms of standard PTSD plus serious problems with emotional regulation, self-perception, and relationships. Sleep problems are among its most disabling features. Research shows that 80 to 90% of people with […]
A Realistic Timeline for Trauma Recovery in Residential Treatment
When individuals enter residential treatment for trauma, they often want to know one thing: “How long will this take?” Research and clinical practice show that trauma healing follows a predictable phased timeline, although the recovery process within that is nonlinear. Depending on trauma complexity and individual progress, stays range from 45 to 90+ days. Trauma-informed […]
What Is Developmental Trauma Disorder and How Is It Treated?
Learn what developmental trauma disorder is, its symptoms, and effective treatment options. Corner Canyon offers compassionate, evidence-based care.
How Trauma Affects the Body: Physical Effects & Healing
Just a decade ago, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk published his best-selling book, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma [1]. It is a groundbreaking exploration of how trauma affects the brain, body, and psyche, and how survivors can recover. His main idea is that exposure to abuse […]
Main Differences Between PTSD and Complex Trauma
Understanding the difference between PTSD and Complex PTSD can be challenging as they are related and share some commonalities. People often use these terms together but they are different conditions resulting from different types and lengths of traumas. Read on to learn more about their similarities and differences. What Is Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)? C-PTSD is […]
Can You Have Trauma Without PTSD?
PTSD always implies having trauma experiences but trauma does not always mean you may have PTSD. But both are the result of shocking, scary, or dangerous events. While they are similar, it’s helpful to understand the differences between these two terms, which can be confusing. Read on to learn more. The Basics of Trauma and […]
SSRI and PTSD: A Medical Approach to PTSD Treatment
Many wonder whether medication is advised for PTSD and if so, what kinds are recommended. Read on to learn more about SSRI medications and treatment approaches for PTSD. Medication for PTSD: Is It Advisable? The current approach to treating PTSD involves both psychotherapy and medications. There are a number of medications that have been recommended […]
PTSD Fatigue: Why It Happens and How to Actually Recover
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary or dangerous event. There are many symptoms of PTSD, but one of the most common, yet often overlooked, is fatigue that goes beyond ordinary tiredness. Read on to learn more about symptoms and causes, types of fatigue and how to cope […]
What Does A PTSD Episode Look Like?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, series of events or set of circumstances. This might be a natural disaster, car accident, physical assault, rape, serious injury or childhood abuse, among others. Not everyone who has these experiences develops PTSD, but for those who do, episodes […]
How to Rebuild Your Life After Trauma: A Complete Guide
Many people experience trauma but are able to process it successfully and resolve it within a month or so without therapy. However, 8% of Americans experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), often with intense symptoms that last for months if not years [1]. Fortunately, this type of trauma is treatable with therapies. But once you have […]
What to Do When PTSD is Triggered: A Thoughtful Guide to Recovery
Trauma experiences are scary and threaten a person’s safety to the point that they are extremely afraid. Their bodies enter survival mode with the “fight-flight-freeze” response which normally helps us avoid or respond to potential danger. Most recover without treatment within a month. But about 8% of Americans develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in which […]
Understanding the Key Difference Between Crisis and Trauma
Crisis and trauma are closely related concepts and it can be confusing to know the difference. Often one leads to another or in some cases, like a natural disaster, happens at the same time. In fact, they are often on a continuum. Read on to learn more about the relationships between stress, crisis, trauma and […]
Hallucinations From PTSD: Causes and Treatment
In the US, almost 8% of the population will have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives. About 1 in every 10 women will develop PTSD compared with 1 in 25 men, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Although hallucinations are not a medical criteria for PTSD, they are increasingly […]
PTS vs PTSD: Key Differences Between Them
Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are often confused and it can be hard to tell them apart. They both involve feeling fearful or nervous, avoiding the places or activity associated with a traumatic event, and nightmares and sleep issues. Nonetheless, there are important differences in the intensity and duration of symptoms and […]
PTSD Treatment Plan Goals and Objectives: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Recovery from PTSD is a journey and for many, a lifelong process. There is no “average” time to recover as it varies with each individual. For some, it may be weeks or months. For others it is a years-long journey, usually done with the help of a trauma-informed therapist. There are many treatment models for […]
How Complex PTSD Affects Sleep – and What You Can Do About It
Up to 90% of those suffering from Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) have trouble sleeping. This is due to the impact of trauma on the nervous system and on mental wellness. Sleep disturbances such as insomnia, nighttime anxiety, nightmares and stressful dreams are common. This has a major impact on the healing process as improved sleep is […]
10 Signs of High-functioning Anxiety
You won’t find high-functioning anxiety listed in medical textbooks as it’s not an actual diagnosis, but it’s something many people can relate to. Picture the overfunctioning, accomplished, confident professional who on the outside has it all together, yet is well known to be a control freak and perfectionist. But they may sweat a lot or […]
5 Stages of PTSD and Everything You Should Know
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most painful and complex mental health conditions to live through and treat. There are many kinds of trauma, each requiring different strategies for healing. Although every person’s experience with trauma is unique, in general, there are five stages a person goes through on their path to recovery. […]
Understanding Complex Betrayal Trauma: Symptoms, Signs, and More
Following a betrayal by someone we loved or trusted, we often feel shattered, wondering if or how we will ever regain ourselves. It can cause shock, loss, anger and grief. We even might doubt if we will ever have a future. The acutely despondent or even depressed feeling after a betrayal can leave us crushed […]
How Mood Disorders in Childhood Affect Adulthood
What are Mood Disorders? Mood disorders are a form of mental illnesses that directly affect how we feel and think about ourselves, others, and, in some cases, even life in general. These disorders have different types: Depressive Disorders In general, depressive disorders result in: Types of Depressive Disorders The main types of depressive disorders include: […]
PTSD vs Adjustment Disorder: Key Differences Between Them
When faced with challenges or stressful events, it is normal for our brains to become overwhelmed. Most of us have had to respond to an unexpected experience that may trigger a period of intense stress. While many of us tend to overcome these quite quickly, some people may not have the resilience necessary to overcome […]
What Is the Science Behind PTSD?
What Is PTSD? Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead to lasting changes in the brain and nervous system. Without treatment, it may prevent you from living a full life. It affects approximately 3.5 percent of U.S. adults every year or about 9 million individuals. For many trauma sufferers, PTSD can be a lifelong problem […]
10 Signs You Are Healing From Trauma
Uncover ten signs indicating progress in healing from trauma and enjoy the journey towards resilience and emotional restoration.
Emotional Wounds: Types, Symptoms, and How to Start Healing
Emotional wounds, often invisible yet profoundly impactful, shape our lives in myriad ways. They are scars left behind from painful experiences that mold our responses, behaviors, and interactions with the world around us. Understanding these wounds is not just about uncovering hurt but about embracing a journey toward healing and transformation. Emotional trauma can stem […]
How Long Does Childhood Trauma Last?
Childhood trauma refers to the psychological and emotional response that children undergo following events that are highly stressful, frightening, or disturbing. Such experiences can disrupt a child’s sense of security, making them feel helpless and vulnerable. Trauma can stem from singular, acute events or can develop through ongoing stressors over time. The types of […]
Complex Childhood Trauma And Its Effects On Adulthood
What Is PTSD From Childhood Trauma? Complex childhood trauma refers to exposure to multiple and often prolonged traumatic events during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction. Unlike singular traumatic incidents, complex trauma typically occurs within the context of relationships that are supposed to provide safety and care. This chronic exposure to adverse experiences […]
Understanding Complex Trauma and PTSD
First Look Complex trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are profound and challenging mental health issues that arise from deeply distressing or disturbing experiences. Understanding these conditions is vital, not only for those directly affected but also for caregivers, mental health professionals, and the broader community. This comprehension fosters empathy, aids in effective treatment, and […]
The Effects of Complex Trauma
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by a series of painful experiences that negatively impacted your emotional well-being? If so, you might be experiencing the effects of complex trauma. Photo by Alex Green Identifying Complex Trauma Complex trauma is more than just a single traumatic event or traumatic experience; it involves prolonged exposure to traumatic events, […]