Complex trauma is seeing things through multiple non-integrated perspectives

The real problem is that these perspectives sneak up on us in the form of the unhealthy and uncomfortable perceptions... that then influence how we presently move through life and experience quality of it.

I used to see things as they were presented to me. This f***ed me up.

Then, I learned to see those same things through the feelings they gave me about myself and my existence. This didn’t save me, but what came next did.

Deciding whether they were or weren’t practical for my growth, pivoting my mindset where I could, and seeking help for reprocessing the parts that I couldn’t.

As a Therapist & Coach today, I present things in multiple ways for people to see what they feel to be true about themselves in the uncomfortable situations they describe to me.

I like to think that this empowers them to decide for themselves whether they want the belief(s) guiding them through similarly challenging future situations or not.

Sometimes it’s obvious and other times it isn’t.

When it isn’t, I paint a picture of my journey cycling through rigid rule following success, to fulfill a void of non-belonging within majority groups, and rebellious phases of individuation, for any semblance of freedom through independence.

Finally, I explain that complex trauma has many faces, most of which don’t require any specifically mutilating experiences to feel the burden of pain it makes one carry.