Developmental Trauma & C-PTSD
When early experiences continue to shape how you feel, relate and respond today
Developmental trauma can develop when important emotional, relational or safety needs are repeatedly not met during childhood.
It does not always involve obvious abuse or a single traumatic event. Emotional neglect, inconsistent caregiving, criticism, conflict, instability or having to adapt yourself to maintain connection to care-givers can also leave lasting effects. The question I usually ask: "Have you been able to full trust your primary care-givers that they will always be there for you for emotional support?"
These experiences can shape the nervous system, our sense of ourselves and the way we relate to other people.
How developmental trauma can show up
You may experience challenges in:
Self regulation
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difficulty regulating emotions, stress or anxiety
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chronic tension, hyper-vigilance, ADHD dynamics, anger management problems
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numbness or shut-down, depression, hopelessness, shame, feeling trapped
Self-image
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shame, self-doubt
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feeling not good or worthy enough
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perfectionism or a strong need to please others
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needing external validation
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harsh self-criticism or feeling fundamentally flawed
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difficulty recognizing your own strengths, value or achievements
Relationships
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difficulty knowing or expressing your own needs and boundaries
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fear of rejection, abandonment or intimacy
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difficulty trusting or feeling safe with other people
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recurring painful relationship patterns
Sometimes you may understand these patterns intellectually and still find yourself repeating them. At other times, you may simply know that something feels wrong without understanding why.
Developmental trauma and C-PTSD
Developmental trauma and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) overlap considerably, although they are not identical concepts.
Both can involve difficulties with emotional regulation, self-worth, relationships and a persistent sense of threat or disconnection.
The important question in therapy is not simply “What happened to me?” but also:
How am I still adapting to what happened — and what do I want for myself now?
Therapy for developmental trauma
My work centers on NARM® — the NeuroAffective Relational Model, an approach developed specifically for developmental, attachment and relational trauma.
Rather than requiring you to repeatedly revisit the past, we explore how early survival strategies may still influence your nervous system responses, emotions, relationships, body and choices today.
Where helpful, I also integrate IFS® and somatic nervous-system work, including TRE®.
The aim is greater self-regulation, self-awareness, connection and choice — so that strategies developed for survival in the past, no longer have to determine how you live today.
Not sure whether this describes you?
You don't need a diagnosis or a complete understanding of your past to begin exploring what is happening.
A free 20-minute consultation gives us an opportunity to talk about what you are experiencing, what you would like to change and whether my approach may be helpful for you.
Online worldwide · In person on Koh Phangan, Thailand