Opening up about trauma is never easy, but for those living with complex trauma, finding the words can feel especially difficult. Unlike single-incident trauma, complex trauma typically results from prolonged or repeated experiences, such as childhood neglect, emotional abuse, or long-term relationship harm. This kind of trauma often becomes deeply woven into a person’s identity, making it harder to recognise, understand, or verbalise.
Early Experiences and Identity
One key reason complex PTSD is so hard to talk about is that it often begins in early life, during critical developmental stages. When trauma happens over time, especially in trusted relationships, individuals may grow up believing their experiences are normal or even deserved. This can lead to feelings of shame, confusion, and self-blame, which block a person from sharing or even acknowledging what they’ve been through.
Memory, Emotion, and Dissociation
Additionally, complex trauma affects how the brain processes memory and emotion. People may have fragmented or incomplete memories, struggle to articulate their experiences, or dissociate when trying to recall them. As a result, they might feel “frozen” or overwhelmed when attempting to talk, fearing that no one will understand, or worse, that they’ll be judged or dismissed.
Trust and Safety Concerns
There’s also the issue of trust. Complex trauma can erode a person’s ability to feel safe with others. If trauma came from caregivers, partners, or authority figures, trusting a therapist or opening up about personal pain can feel threatening, even if help is genuinely wanted.
Complex Trauma Therapy
At Aguilera Psychology, we understand how difficult it can be to talk about complex trauma, and we don’t expect you to do it all at once. Our online trauma therapy offers a compassionate, confidential space to explore your experiences safely and at your own pace.
Our experienced trauma therapists are trained in evidence-based approaches including EMDR and TF-CBT, tailored to complex trauma recovery. Contact us today to learn more and begin your healing journey.