CPTSD as a conditioning/thought virus
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is a condition that affects many individuals who have experienced prolonged trauma. Unlike PTSD, which often results from a single traumatic event, CPTSD is the result of repeated exposure to traumatic situations, such as long-term abuse or neglect. This can lead to deeply ingrained negative thought patterns that affect one's sense of self and overall mental health.
In this blog post, we will explore what CPTSD is, how it develops, and how it functions as a conditioning or "thought virus." We will also discuss the steps involved in healing from CPTSD and how trauma therapy can be instrumental in this process.
What is CPTSD?
CPTSD is a psychological disorder that arises from chronic, long-term trauma. This type of trauma is often relational and involves situations where the individual feels trapped, such as in abusive relationships or chronic neglect. The key difference between PTSD and CPTSD is the duration and repetition of the traumatic experiences.
Examples of How CPTSD Develops:
Childhood Abuse: Growing up in an environment where physical, emotional, or sexual abuse is a constant threat can instill a sense of helplessness and fear that persists into adulthood.
Domestic Violence: Being in a long-term abusive relationship where one experiences repeated physical, emotional, or psychological harm can lead to CPTSD.
Chronic Neglect: Living in a situation where basic emotional or physical needs are consistently unmet can result in profound feelings of worthlessness and abandonment.
War and Captivity: Extended periods of imprisonment, torture, or exposure to combat can cause deep-seated psychological scars that define one's sense of self and reality.
The Conditioning/Thought Virus of CPTSD
Trait-Based Thoughts: CPTSD is insidious because it leads to the development of trait-based thoughts about oneself. These are deeply ingrained beliefs that one adopts over time due to the repetitive nature of the trauma. Some common examples include:
"I'm a bad person." Continuous emotional abuse can make an individual internalize this belief.
"I'm unlovable." Neglect or emotional unavailability from caregivers can foster this thought.
"I'm not enough." Constant criticism or high expectations can lead to chronic feelings of inadequacy.
State-Based Thoughts in PTSD: In contrast, PTSD often results in state-based thoughts that are tied to the traumatic incident itself. For example:
"It was scary." This is a typical response to a sudden, frightening event like a car accident.
"I feared for my life." Common in incidents such as muggings or assaults.
The Conditioning Process
In long-term trauma situations, an individual is repeatedly exposed to harmful messages and behaviors, which leads to a form of psychological conditioning. Over time, this conditioning creates a "thought virus” – a set of harmful beliefs that infects one's thinking patterns and behaviors. Just as a virus replicates and spreads, negative thoughts born out of trauma can proliferate, distorting a person’s sense of self and reality.
Imagine being told that the sky is purple every day for years; eventually, despite knowing it's blue, you start to question your perception. Similarly, CPTSD causes individuals to internalize false, harmful beliefs about themselves due to the constant reinforcement of negative messages.
An individual with CPTSD may experience the following symptoms:
Negative self-image
Hypervigilance
Emotional dysregulation
Avoidance behaviors
Impaired relationships
The Healing Process for CPTSD
Removing Yourself from the Trauma: The first crucial step in healing from CPTSD is to remove yourself from the source of trauma, if possible. This could mean leaving an abusive relationship, creating distance from toxic family members, or finding a safe environment where you can begin to heal.
Finding a Trauma Therapist: Once you have removed yourself from the traumatic situation, the next step is to find a therapist who specializes in trauma recovery. A trauma therapist can provide the support and guidance needed to navigate the complexities of CPTSD.
How a Trauma Therapist Can Help
Validating Experiences: A trauma therapist provides a safe, non-judgmental space where survivors can share their experiences and have their feelings validated (no gaslighting or minimizing here!). This validation is crucial for rebuilding self-worth and trust.
Cognitive Restructuring: Trauma therapy often involves cognitive restructuring, which helps individuals identify and challenge the negative, distorted beliefs they have about themselves. Through this process, they can replace these harmful thoughts with healthier, more accurate ones.
Brainspotting and EMDR: These brain-based therapies facilitate the release of trapped trauma, allowing individuals to dissolve negative beliefs and develop healthier thought patterns, ultimately promoting healing and emotional resilience.
Developing Coping Mechanisms: Therapists teach coping mechanisms and stress-management techniques that help individuals handle triggers and manage symptoms of CPTSD. This might include mindfulness, grounding exercises, and other therapeutic practices.
Building Healthy Relationships: CPTSD often leads to difficulties in relationships due to the ingrained negative beliefs and trust issues that develop from prolonged trauma. Individuals with CPTSD may struggle with setting healthy boundaries, recognizing their own needs, and asserting themselves in relationships. A trauma therapist can guide individuals in fostering connections that are nurturing and affirming.
Takeaways
Healing from CPTSD is a complex and challenging journey, but it is also profoundly transformative. By understanding the conditioning nature of long-term trauma and seeking specialized therapy, individuals can begin to dismantle the harmful thought patterns that have shaped their lives. This process involves not only removing oneself from harmful situations but also actively working with a trauma therapist to rebuild self-worth, develop healthier thought patterns, and form supportive relationships.
Remember, you are not alone, and support is available. If you need help navigating your healing journey, consider scheduling a consultation with a trauma therapist who can guide you through the process and help you build a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Looking to connect with a therapist who can help you navigate CPTSD and develop healthier thought patterns?
Take your first step towards trauma recovery and reclaiming your life.
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About the author
Amanda Buduris is a licensed psychologist providing virtual therapy services in Oregon and Washington. She is trained in multiple modalities of trauma-focused healing to best support clients who are looking to feel better faster.
