About Complex PTSD
.jpg)
Helen with 25 yr old "Molly" ..The Accidental Therapist
Complex PTSD A Physical, Emotional and Spiritual conditionHelen Torpy RN, Professional Counsellor Dip Couns, Equine Assisted TherapistHorses Empowering Humans.com.au
As I write this article, I fully relate to the difficulties in navigating life with Complex PTSD….being a therapist with long term personal experience of this disorder. I have come to believe that it is indeed a powerful Emotional, Physical and Spiritual condition and all these areas need attention in the recovery process. Gratefully, I now can see it as a 2 sided gift : A gift for myself and also one I can use to help others.For me, horses ( by accident!) played a huge part in both the awareness of my condition as well as helping restoring connection to my true self and being able to share that with others.It is a continuing journey of recovery and transformation that has brought surprising positive changes and silver linings.In this first article I will share information on C-ptsd and later some interesting aspects of equine therapy and the role it can play in assisting client’s recovery. Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a powerful and life interrupting condition that triggers and causes acute reactive episodes of trauma memories, resulting in emotional flooding, dissociation, decreased ability to self soothe and regulate emotions, physical/physiological disturbance as well as spiritual dishevelment in the form of: Feeling disconnected from ones essence, inner truth and/or Higher Power, distorted perceptions of self and others and a disruption with the internal guidance system.While most understand PTSD to be only associated with war veterans, Complex PTSD is “multi layered” and has its roots based in other life traumas particularly early childhood trauma and neglect, abuse, domestic and sexual violence, and other traumatic/relational events that have deeply affected an individual.Complex PTSD rightly owns it name, as it underpins the complexity of how relational trauma and attachment disorders also carry buried shame, repressed grief and deeply rooted feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness –the legacy of ongoing abandonment, neglect or abuse, particularly if this originated in childhood from parents or caregivers. The hallmark traits include flashbacks and temporary regressions to the original trauma that can trigger intense emotional responses such as: extreme vulnerability, confusion, fear, shame, anger and sadness which can spiral and severely interfere with relationships and normal life functions.Flashbacks can have a visual, auditory or sensory component and trigger trauma memory “hotspots” in the brain and body which set off patterns of thoughts, emotions, behaviour and acute physical stress reactions which activates the flight, fight and freeze response. The amygdala, which is the part of the brain which helps with reasoning and decision making, is overridden by all the brain activity leaving the person in a state of overwhelm, confusion and anxiety like being swept along deeper into a past experience resembling a simulator.It truly is the unwelcome “gate crasher” that intrudes and temporarily interrupts both emotional and physiological regulation. Stress hormones including Cortisol and adrenaline are released due to the alarm response of the trigger, affecting the body physiology- brain and central nervous system, muscular skeletal and cardiovascular systems as well as fluid and hormone balance.When the stress hormones reach their crescendo, fatigue and exhaustion can set in and it may take many hours or even a few days to return to normal homeostasis. Without intervention a spiralling of symptoms can lead into a retriggering and the cycle can continue.The physical effects of PTSD triggers can be profound and are often overlooked as part of the treatment and awareness of the disorder.The freeze response in my opinion has the most impactful effect on the body and creates havoc with energy reserves. During a trigger with a severe or sudden sympathetic nervous system response, the para- sympathetic system can override to suspend the trigger in preparation for action on perceived dangerous threat. This mimics a dissociative state whereby the body is poised like a tight rubber band ready to flee or fight. The heart rate slows yet an enormous amount of energy is contained and held in the body. The enzyme aceteycholine, which is responsible for triggering the muscles and nerves to work reaches a high level in readiness for action. There is now documented evidence of inflammatory responses from ptsd triggers and physical body reactions that mimic viral or infective conditions including: malaise, body aches, raised body temperature and other inflammatory responses. This can augment and intensify the duration of the original trigger and have a looping effect which exacerbates emotional regulation and recovery time.Unabated and without support and understanding, the effects of this condition on the inner spirit and connection to the world can be profound and can spiral into a state of learnt helplessness and isolation. Belief systems can fall apart as trust is lost in others, God, Higher Power or in a universe that is friendly and deeply affects a sense of meaning and purpose in the world.Recovery from C-PTSD does happen…it might be slow and feel like hard or pointless work at times but the changes do take time. The physical emotional and spiritual parts all need equal care. Although it is a process of many ups and downs it offers gifts in self discovery and being able to reintegrate back into the world with greater love, acceptance and faith in ourselves and humanity…..now that is a journey worth working towards!In further articles I will discuss how Equine Therapy can assist with recovery from PTSD. Copyright 2019 Horsesempoweringhumans.com.au
As I write this article, I fully relate to the difficulties in navigating life with Complex PTSD….being a therapist with long term personal experience of this disorder. I have come to believe that it is indeed a powerful Emotional, Physical and Spiritual condition and all these areas need attention in the recovery process. Gratefully, I now can see it as a 2 sided gift : A gift for myself and also one I can use to help others.For me, horses ( by accident!) played a huge part in both the awareness of my condition as well as helping restoring connection to my true self and being able to share that with others.It is a continuing journey of recovery and transformation that has brought surprising positive changes and silver linings.In this first article I will share information on C-ptsd and later some interesting aspects of equine therapy and the role it can play in assisting client’s recovery. Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a powerful and life interrupting condition that triggers and causes acute reactive episodes of trauma memories, resulting in emotional flooding, dissociation, decreased ability to self soothe and regulate emotions, physical/physiological disturbance as well as spiritual dishevelment in the form of: Feeling disconnected from ones essence, inner truth and/or Higher Power, distorted perceptions of self and others and a disruption with the internal guidance system.While most understand PTSD to be only associated with war veterans, Complex PTSD is “multi layered” and has its roots based in other life traumas particularly early childhood trauma and neglect, abuse, domestic and sexual violence, and other traumatic/relational events that have deeply affected an individual.Complex PTSD rightly owns it name, as it underpins the complexity of how relational trauma and attachment disorders also carry buried shame, repressed grief and deeply rooted feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness –the legacy of ongoing abandonment, neglect or abuse, particularly if this originated in childhood from parents or caregivers. The hallmark traits include flashbacks and temporary regressions to the original trauma that can trigger intense emotional responses such as: extreme vulnerability, confusion, fear, shame, anger and sadness which can spiral and severely interfere with relationships and normal life functions.Flashbacks can have a visual, auditory or sensory component and trigger trauma memory “hotspots” in the brain and body which set off patterns of thoughts, emotions, behaviour and acute physical stress reactions which activates the flight, fight and freeze response. The amygdala, which is the part of the brain which helps with reasoning and decision making, is overridden by all the brain activity leaving the person in a state of overwhelm, confusion and anxiety like being swept along deeper into a past experience resembling a simulator.It truly is the unwelcome “gate crasher” that intrudes and temporarily interrupts both emotional and physiological regulation. Stress hormones including Cortisol and adrenaline are released due to the alarm response of the trigger, affecting the body physiology- brain and central nervous system, muscular skeletal and cardiovascular systems as well as fluid and hormone balance.When the stress hormones reach their crescendo, fatigue and exhaustion can set in and it may take many hours or even a few days to return to normal homeostasis. Without intervention a spiralling of symptoms can lead into a retriggering and the cycle can continue.The physical effects of PTSD triggers can be profound and are often overlooked as part of the treatment and awareness of the disorder.The freeze response in my opinion has the most impactful effect on the body and creates havoc with energy reserves. During a trigger with a severe or sudden sympathetic nervous system response, the para- sympathetic system can override to suspend the trigger in preparation for action on perceived dangerous threat. This mimics a dissociative state whereby the body is poised like a tight rubber band ready to flee or fight. The heart rate slows yet an enormous amount of energy is contained and held in the body. The enzyme aceteycholine, which is responsible for triggering the muscles and nerves to work reaches a high level in readiness for action. There is now documented evidence of inflammatory responses from ptsd triggers and physical body reactions that mimic viral or infective conditions including: malaise, body aches, raised body temperature and other inflammatory responses. This can augment and intensify the duration of the original trigger and have a looping effect which exacerbates emotional regulation and recovery time.Unabated and without support and understanding, the effects of this condition on the inner spirit and connection to the world can be profound and can spiral into a state of learnt helplessness and isolation. Belief systems can fall apart as trust is lost in others, God, Higher Power or in a universe that is friendly and deeply affects a sense of meaning and purpose in the world.Recovery from C-PTSD does happen…it might be slow and feel like hard or pointless work at times but the changes do take time. The physical emotional and spiritual parts all need equal care. Although it is a process of many ups and downs it offers gifts in self discovery and being able to reintegrate back into the world with greater love, acceptance and faith in ourselves and humanity…..now that is a journey worth working towards!In further articles I will discuss how Equine Therapy can assist with recovery from PTSD. Copyright 2019 Horsesempoweringhumans.com.au
Helen Torpy is the founder of Horses Empowering Humans and is a trained Equine Assisted therapist /Psychotherapist & Practitioner, Registered Counsellor & Nurse with a comprehensive career including Emergency settings and mental Health triage/management.She has extensive knowledge and experience on a complex variety of health and emotional issues including: Complex PTSD, trauma/ abuse/dissociative disorders , anxiety/depession, burnout, grief, codependence, relationship issues and addiction recovery. She also has a life- time passion with horses and horsemanship; including personal experience of healing and recovery through the way of the horse.
Based in Geelong area, Helen also provides tradiitonal room based counselling sessions and is also a certified Holistic Counselor and meditation teacher She provides ongoing professional and confidential counselling and support.
Based in Geelong area, Helen also provides tradiitonal room based counselling sessions and is also a certified Holistic Counselor and meditation teacher She provides ongoing professional and confidential counselling and support.
For further information or to book a sessioncontact Helen 0425 054 459or send us an email using the template below
HORSES EMPOWERING HUMANSPlease note that we have transitioned to the Bannockburn/Lethbridge area which is in the Geelong District and approx 15 minutes from Geelong Ring RoadContact Helen 0425 054 459