Complex PTSD and relational trauma cast deep and intricate shadows over one's life, altering self-perception and relationships. These traumas, often rooted in prolonged exposure to distressing situations, disrupt emotional balance and connection. Emotionally, they manifest as a whirlwind of fear, sadness, and anger, coupled with persistent, intrusive memories that shatter the present moment's peace. Physically, they result in a constant state of vigilance, with symptoms like anxiety and sleep disturbances. This unrelenting stress can erode the foundation of trust and security in relationships, leading to isolation and difficulty in forming healthy connections. Complex PTSD and relational trauma reshape not just individual experiences but also how one relates to others and the world.
Our approach to these traumas, whether stemming from chronic abuse, neglect, or continuous exposure to stressful environments, acknowledges their profound and lasting impact. We invite you to explore our methods for treating complex PTSD and relational trauma, delving into the nuances of these experiences.
Address the layers of complex PTSD and relational trauma with integrative EMDR therapy, a path to healing and empowerment.
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) and relational trauma are distinct yet interrelated forms of trauma, each with their own unique challenges and effects. C-PTSD is typically a result of prolonged and repeated exposure to traumatic events, often occurring over months or years. This can include experiences like long-term abuse, extreme neglect, or living in a war zone. Its symptoms extend beyond those of traditional PTSD, manifesting in severe emotional dysregulation, a distorted self-perception, and profound feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.
Relational trauma, on the other hand, specifically occurs within the context of significant relationships. It often stems from repetitive abuse, neglect, or betrayal in intimate or caregiving relationships. Unlike C-PTSD, which can have various sources, relational trauma is distinctly tied to the dynamics of interpersonal relationships, leading to deep-rooted trust issues, attachment disorders, and a pervasive sense of insecurity in future relationships.
While both C-PTSD and relational trauma profoundly impact one's emotional health and interpersonal relationships, their nuanced differences necessitate specialized treatment approaches. Combining treatments such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy), attachment-focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is extremely impactful for these conditions. EMDR facilitates the reprocessing of traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge. EFT and attachment-focused therapy address emotional dysregulation and repair attachment ruptures, crucial in relational trauma. CBT helps reframe negative thought patterns and beliefs stemming from trauma, while DBT provides skills for managing intense emotions and improving interpersonal relationships. This integrative approach ensures a comprehensive treatment plan, addressing the complex and varied aspects of C-PTSD and relational trauma, leading to more profound healing and recovery.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Rebecca Hoffenberg is a distinguished clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of Complex PTSD, attachment trauma, and neglect. With her expertise in these intricate areas, Dr. Hoffenberg brings a compassionate and effective approach to her therapeutic practice, particularly in addressing the long-lasting effects of prolonged trauma. She is highly skilled in helping clients navigate issues such as emotional dysregulation, low self-esteem, and altered self-perception, which often result from ongoing exposure to emotional, verbal, or physical abuse.
Dr. Hoffenberg’s expertise extends to working with individuals who have endured chronic emotional and verbal abuse during their formative years. These are people whose childhoods were shaped not just by isolated incidents, but by a pervasive sense of being misunderstood, chronically alone, or emotionally adrift. Her deep understanding of this dynamic includes a nuanced awareness of parents who, often due to their own unresolved trauma or emotional challenges, were unable to provide the emotional presence and support their children needed. The experience of enduring emotional and verbal abuse can deeply undermine a child’s sense of self-worth, leading to a persistent belief that they are unworthy of love and care. Dr. Hoffenberg’s insight into these dynamics allows her to approach clients with empathy and a thorough understanding of the complex factors that shaped their early experiences.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Hoffenberg is also a mentor to other therapists, guiding them in the effective use of relational EMDR for complex trauma cases. She is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and experience with fellow practitioners, helping them to refine their skills in working with clients who have experienced chronic emotional neglect, verbal abuse, and attachment trauma. Through her mentorship, Dr. Hoffenberg ensures that more clinicians can offer compassionate, effective care to those in need of deeper healing.
Read More about Dr. Hoffenberg
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Ami Zala is dedicated to helping adult children of mentally ill parents heal from the emotional wounds wrought by denial, gaslighting, and pervasive confusion. She understands that living with a mentally ill parent can create a landscape of complex PTSD, where the constant invalidation and manipulation significantly distorted self-perception and emotional well-being. Dr. Zala’s therapeutic approach is tailored to address these unique challenges, providing a pathway for clients to reclaim their identity and build a resilient sense of self.
As an expert in complex PTSD, Dr. Zala uses EMDR to help clients process and release the traumatic memories associated with parental mental illness and the accompanying gaslighting. Complementing EMDR, she incorporates psychoanalysis for a deep understanding and to challenge and reframe the negative beliefs that stem from a history of denial and emotional manipulation. Her acceptance-based approach emphasizes self-compassion, empowering individuals to confront their past without judgment and nurture a more positive internal dialogue.
Dr. Zala’s deep understanding of the intricate effects of a mentally ill upbringing makes her uniquely equipped to guide clients through their healing journey. Through her integrative and compassionate methods, she supports clients in overcoming the fractures in self-esteem and identity caused by their early experiences, enabling them to move forward with renewed strength and confidence.
Complex PTSD and relational trauma are exceptionally challenging and profoundly impactful forms of psychological distress. Such traumas not only inflict deep emotional wounds but also disrupt an individual's ability to trust others and form healthy connections. Both complex PTSD and relational trauma can manifest as a wide range of symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and pervasive feelings of shame and guilt. It often feels like navigating through a constant storm of emotional turbulence. A person may experience profound feelings of worthlessness, self-doubt, and a pervasive sense of being unlovable. Relational trauma can make them hyper-vigilant, always on edge, and prone to anxiety and mistrust in relationships. It's as if they are carrying the weight of past hurts and betrayals, making it challenging to form healthy connections and maintain a positive self-image.
Research on EMDR's efficacy in treating complex PTSD has yielded promising results. A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that EMDR was effective in reducing symptoms of complex PTSD, including emotional distress and dissociation. Another study in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology showed that EMDR led to significant improvements in self-esteem and interpersonal problems, which are common challenges for individuals with complex PTSD.
The combination of EMDR with other therapeutic approaches, such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), attachment-focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), offers a comprehensive and highly impactful strategy for individuals facing the profound challenges posed by complex PTSD and relational trauma. These integrated therapies work in synergy to address the intricate dimensions of trauma, enabling individuals to reconstruct their lives and relationships on a foundation of healing and strength.
Allow us to guide you on a transformative journey towards empowerment, enabling you to break free from the shackles of trauma and foster inner resilience and a positive self-image.
