Question 1

What is the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD?

Accepted Answer

PTSD typically develops after a single traumatic event such as an accident, assault, or natural disaster. Complex PTSD develops from repeated or prolonged trauma, particularly when it happens in childhood or within relationships where there was no way to escape. C-PTSD tends to involve deeper disruptions to identity, self-worth, and the ability to regulate emotions. Both are treatable with somatic and body-based approaches, though complex PTSD often requires a slower, more careful pacing of the work.

Question 2

How long does trauma therapy take in Seattle?

Accepted Answer

There is no fixed timeline because trauma recovery depends on the nature of the trauma, how long it has been present, and how the nervous system has adapted over time. For single-incident trauma, significant relief is often possible within a few months of consistent work. For complex or developmental trauma, meaningful progress typically takes longer - often a year or more of regular sessions. Most clients notice changes in how they feel in their body and how they respond to stress within the first few months, even before the deeper work is complete.

Question 3

Why do somatic approaches work better for trauma than talk therapy?

Accepted Answer

Trauma is not stored primarily as a narrative or thought. It is held in the body and the nervous system as physical sensation, muscle tension, automatic reactions, and survival responses that stay activated long after the danger has passed. Somatic approaches like EMDR, Brainspotting, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy work directly with the nervous system using body awareness, bilateral stimulation, and mindful attention to help the body complete responses it was unable to finish during the original event.

Question 4

How do I know if what I experienced counts as trauma?

Accepted Answer

Trauma is defined by its impact on the nervous system, not by how severe the event looks from the outside. If you find yourself struggling with chronic anxiety, difficulty feeling safe, reactions that seem bigger than the situation calls for, trouble connecting with others, numbness, or a persistent sense that something is wrong with you, these can all be signs that your nervous system is still holding something from the past. A free consultation with one of our therapists is a good way to explore this without any commitment.

Trauma

What is Trauma?

Some of the most well known symptoms of a traumatic experience can be:

Panic Attacks, Constant Background Anxiety, Nightmares, A Constant Sense Of Shame, Or Sense Of Numbness Or Spacing Out.

Learn About the Various Types of Trauma and How to Work through them

What Is The Difference Between PTSD And A Normal Response To Trauma

What Is Dissociation?

What is Complex Trauma?

What Are The Differences Between Normal Talk Therapy And Somatic Therapy?

Why talk therapy alone doesn’t work when treating trauma?

You do not have to let fear define who you are.

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