What is Complex Trauma?

Complex Trauma** or Complex PTSD refers to the cumulative toll that experiences such as neglect and abuse take on children. The key idea we have been learning over the past 15 years is that trauma, particularly in early childhood, affects the developing brain and can result in a range of social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties which are hard for parents and caregivers to manage. Read our blog to find out What’s All the Fuss About Complex Trauma.

 

The term complex trauma describes both children’s exposure to multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive, interpersonal nature, and the wide-ranging, long-term impact of this exposure. These events are severe and pervasive, such as abuse or profound neglect. They usually begin early in life and can disrupt many aspects of the child’s development and the very formation of a self. Since they often occur in the context of the child’s relationship with a caregiver, they interfere with the child’s ability to form a secure attachment bond. Many aspects of a child’s healthy physical and mental development rely on this primary source of safety and stability. ” – National Child Traumatic Stress Network


Learn how Dr. Chuck Geddes entire practice and philosophy was changed as he worked with traumatized kids

 

NEW ONLINE TRAUMA-FOCUSED COURSES AVAILABLE

Become equipped with practical knowledge, cutting edge research, and every-day tools to help children heal from complex trauma with our ONLINE training courses.

*CE credits available.

TRAUMA-FOCUSED RESIDENTIAL CAREGIVING COURSE

For professionals, clinicians, residential support workers, and agencies. Learn a comprehensive
trauma-informed model to help children heal and thrive.
How can I support a youth with complex trauma?

TRAUMA-FOCUSED SCHOOLS

For schools, teachers, administrators, and anyone working in an educational capacity. This course applies a
trauma-centric lens to support children and youth dealing with trauma and ACEs. Learn specific strategies and practical
intervention strategies to help children heal and learn.

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GIVING AND RECEIVING HEALING FOR TRAUMATIZED KIDS

Parents, would you like more tools to work with your child?
For foster parents, adoptive parents, and caregivers to deepen attachment, decrease hyper-arousal through practical
sensory and calming activities, and increase a child’s sense of identity.

Parents, would you like more tools to work with your child?

The Seven Developmental Domains:
How Complex Trauma Affects Children

When children have experienced complex trauma, their development is often affected in many of these seven areas of development. Learn more in this short video clip with Dr. Chuck Geddes.

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