#43 - On the Origins of Complex Trauma

A Way Beyond the Rainbow

*General trigger warning: episode involves discussion of traumatic events and may be triggering to some listeners*
My friend Aadam joins me on a four-episode series that focuses on understanding the origins and characteristics of complex trauma as well as paving a holistic path of healing.
In this episode, we talk about the definition of complex trauma and factors that lead to it, the survival brain and the fight-flight-freeze response, as well as the different parental or caregiver dynamics that may give rise to complex trauma during childhood.
What is the difference between simple and complex traumas, little t and big T traumas? How does the stress response work, and how does it manifest in our lives as far as our thoughts, emotions, behaviors and relationships are concerned? How can unhealthy parental or caregiver dynamics give rise to complex trauma and influence our thoughts, emotions, behaviors and relationships as adults? These and other questions are explored in this episode.
References mentioned and resources used in the episode:
- Video series on complex trauma by Tim Fletcher
- Running on Empty: Overcome Your Childhood Emotional Neglect by Jonice Webb
- How To Do The Work by Dr. Nicole LePera
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- ACEs research and publications

Chapters

1. #43 - On the Origins of Complex Trauma (00:00:00)

2. Episode Introduction (00:00:38)

3. Definitions and Causes of Complex Trauma (00:07:54)

4. Survival Brain and the Fight-Flight-Freeze Response (00:40:04)

5. On Different Parental Dynamics (00:59:01)

6. Ending Remarks (01:49:54)