Finding Peace After Trauma

A Direct Approach with Cheryl Groskopf

Complex PTSD Therapy in LA

Are you constantly struggling with overwhelming emotions, feeling stuck in a cycle you can’t break? I’m Cheryl Groskopf, and I specialize in guiding individuals heal from the symptoms of Complex PTSD.

Complex PTSD goes beyond the occasional stress or anxiety; it’s a persistent, often debilitating condition that stems from prolonged exposure to traumatic events. Unlike traditional PTSD, which can arise from a single incident, Complex PTSD develops due to repeated trauma over months or years, making it a unique challenge to overcome. Together, we will explore the symptoms head-on.

My approach? Direct, active, and personalized to your journey towards healing. We will go beyond just talking by actively working towards lasting change. Ready to start making changes? Reach out now—let’s pave your path to recovery together. Still wondering what Complex PTSD is, read on to learn more.

What is Complex PTSD?

5 Essential Facts You Need To Know

1. It’s not caused by one big traumatic event

Intense fear. Feelings of helplessness. Disassociation. Diminished self-esteem, Difficulty forming healthy relationships. These are all common symptoms of trauma. But what if we experience the symptoms of trauma without a huge distinguishable traumatic event in our lives? Let me introduce to you: Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

When people hear the term ‘Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder,’ they may associate it with PTSD symptoms from 1 type of large trauma. However, C-PTSD can develop from situations that may not seem as obvious.

It’s Ongoing

These experiences may include ongoing emotional abuse, neglect, witnessing domestic violence, or experiencing constant invalidation or rejection. These repeated traumas, over time, can deeply affect an individual’s sense of self and overall well-being.

Seemingly ‘minor’ and cumulative traumas can carve the path to C-PTSD and its wide-ranging symptoms. These symptoms include hypervigilance, distrust, anxiety, and difficulties with emotional regulation.

Each person’s trauma experience is unique, and acknowledging the significance of these experiences represents the first step towards healing. That’s why its so important to have a therapist in Los Angeles who specializes in trauma.

2. It’s Not the Magnitude of the Traumatic Event that causes C-PTSD

Instead, it’s the prolonged exposure to distressing and overwhelming situations over an extended period of time. Observable traumas such as war or natural disasters are “easier” to identify. However, the traumas associated with C-PTSD are often more insidious.

3. Complex PTSD can be caused by the environment.

C-PTSD can develop through the environment we live in (or was brought up in). C-PTSD can manifest by experiencing:

Ongoing emotional neglect
Constantly being invalidated
Repeated instances of rejection
Being in a dysfunctional family
Working in a toxic environment
Bullying
Abuse in childhood
Chronic, unpredictable stress

Being exposed to these experiences ongoingly can impact a person’s sense of safety, self-worth, and overall well-being. The impact of C-PTSD isn’t determined by the size or intensity of the trauma, but by the ways in which it disrupts a person’s ability to function in the world.

4. Complex PTSD isn’t just caused by abuse

Although C-PTSD is commonly associated with childhood trauma, it’s important to recognize that it is not caused ONLY by childhood trauma. You can develop C-PTSD without ever experiencing abuse. Constant exposure to arguments, substance abuse, and neglect can make an individual feel fearful and hypervigilant.

This ongoing exposure can be extremely overwhelming, and lead to long-lasting effects on an individual’s well-being and mental health – even in the absence of abuse.

5. It is not officially recognized by the DSM5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).

C-PTSD is not officially recognized as a separate disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is a widely used classification system for mental health conditions. It’s used to diagnose individuals, and those diagnoses are inputted to insurance to cover “medical necessity.” However, many mental health professionals, including myself, recognize C-PTSD as a distinct and very VALID diagnosis

Complex PTSD Symptoms

What Are Some Other Symptoms Of Complex PTSD?

Living with C-PTSD can have a negative impact on a person’s life.It impacts an individual’s emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. Such as:

Trouble regulating emotions
Frequent Mood Swings
Anger Outbursts
Nightmares or Flashbacks
Difficulty concentrating on tasks
Difficulty developing and maintaining healthy relationships

10 Ways to Identify if You Have Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)

Feeling like something’s off but not sure what it is? Let’s talk about Complex PTSD. Here are 10 signs that might resonate with you:

1. Emotional Rollercoaster: Are your emotions all over the place? Experiencing extreme mood swings, intense anger, or feeling emotionally numb? These could be signs of Complex PTSD messing with your emotional balance.

2. Always On Edge: Do you constantly feel on edge, like you’re on guard for potential threats? This persistent hypervigilance can lead to anxiety and make it hard to relax.

3. Flashbacks and Intrusive Memories: Do vivid flashbacks or intrusive memories from past traumas haunt you? Similar to PTSD, individuals with Complex PTSD may experience these distressing recollections.

4. Trust Issues: Finding it tough to trust others because of past traumas? Suspicion, paranoia, or fear of betrayal might be impacting your relationships.

5. Chronic Self-Blame: Do you blame yourself for what happened? This self-blame can weigh heavily, leading to feelings of shame and guilt

6. Feelings of Detachment: Ever feel disconnected from yourself or the world around you? It’s common with Complex PTSD, leaving you feeling distant and detached.

7. Impaired Self-Esteem: Struggling with negative self-perception and feelings of worthlessness? Complex PTSD can seriously impact self-esteem, making validation from others a constant need.

8. Interpersonal Difficulties: Managing relationships can be a struggle with Complex PTSD. Setting boundaries, fear of abandonment, and intimacy issues are common challenges.

9. Physical Symptoms: Trauma affects the body too. Headaches, digestive issues, chronic pain, and weakened immune function can all be signs of Complex PTSD.

10. Distorted Self-Identity: Feeling like you’ve lost touch with who you are? Complex PTSD can fragment your self-identity, leaving you feeling lost and unsure.

If you resonate with several of these signs, remember: there is hope. As a Complex PTSD therapist based in Los Angeles, I’m here to help you find healing. Reach out, and let’s start your journey to recovery together.

Somatic Therapy For Complex PTSD in LA

Meet Cheryl Groskopf, LMFT, LPCC

Trauma impacts not only the individual, but their relationships as well. Learning how to set healthy boundaries, showing up authentically, and developing human connections with others are important steps to feeling more grounded and connected with the world. Through self-compassion, rebuilding trust, and developing effective communication skills, you can develop secure and fulfilling relationships.

This is your time to unlock your potential. You deserve to create a future filled with hope, resilience, and joy. Together, let’s reclaim your life and rediscover the magic of being present in this life.