complex trauma resources
Complex trauma happens over time, in relationship between people, and can be subtle or obvious. The below resources are offered if you're curious about what complex trauma is, how it shows up in life, and how to treat it. This is by no means an exhaustive list; it's meant as an introduction.
If you feel that you may be living with complex trauma, I encourage you to reach out to a clinical professional like a therapist, counselor, or doctor.
❗Contains potentially triggering stories of trauma.
helplines
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
available everyday, all day by calling 1-800-273-8255 or visiting online at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)
available everyday, all day by calling 1-800-656-4673 or visiting online at www.rainn.org
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
available everyday, all day by calling 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) or visiting online at www.thehotline.org
find help in your area
dial 211 for local resources or visit United States 211 or Canadian 211 online provided by United Way Worldwide; may take a few screens to find online resources
books
Trauma-Sensitive Yoga in Therapy: Bringing the Body into Treatment
by David Emerson
Overcoming Trauma through Yoga: Reclaiming Your Body
by David Emerson and Elizabeth Hopper, PhD
❗In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts
by Dr. Gabor Maté
❗Trauma and Recovery
by Judith Herman
❗The Body Keeps the Score
by Bessel van Der Kolk
research
Yoga as an Adjunctive Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
study of the TCTSY model ; funded by the United States National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
Moving to Heal: Women's Experiences of Therapeutic Yoga after Complex Trauma
Dissertation by Jennifer West on the TCTSY model
Yoga for Traumatic Stress: A Three Paper Dissertation
Dissertation by Alison Rhodes on the TCTSY model
Additional TCTSY research
explorations of the impact of yoga on trauma
Interoception, Contemplative Practice, and Health
investigation of the integration between contemplative practices and interoception; published June 9, 2015
Dissociation & the Fragmentary Nature of Traumatic Memories: Overview & Exploratory Study
explanation of the relationship between traumatic memories and dissociation; first published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress, 1995.
treatment models
Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga
a body-based adjunctive treatment for complex trauma and complex PTSD focusing on present moment experiences and choices; facilitated by certified TCTSY-F yoga teachers or clinicians
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
a body-based treatment model addressing trauma and attachment issues; practiced by licensed clinicians who have additional training through the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
a psychotherapeutic intervention that heals the distressing symptoms that result from trauma; practiced by licensed clinicians who are specifically trained in this model