Therapists

Find a Therapist

Book your intro session with a therapist

Identity

PTSD vs CPTSD: Understanding the Differences

Expansive Therapy

Trauma is a deeply personal experience, and how we heal often depends on the context of our lives. For queer individuals, trauma can intersect with identity, community, and systemic oppression. At our queer-affirming therapy practice, we often work with clients navigating complex trauma histories. Understanding the differences between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is essential to delivering nuanced and compassionate care.


What is PTSD?


PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a single traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, assault, or accident. Common symptoms include:

  • Intrusive memories or flashbacks

  • Nightmares

  • Hypervigilance or being easily startled

  • Avoidance of trauma-related stimuli

  • Negative changes in thoughts and mood



What is CPTSD?


CPTSD arises from prolonged or repeated trauma, often in childhood or within interpersonal relationships. Examples include long-term abuse, neglect, or captivity. In addition to PTSD symptoms, CPTSD includes:


  • Emotional dysregulation

  • Persistent negative self-beliefs

  • Difficulty with relationships and trust

  • A sense of helplessness or being permanently damaged


For queer individuals, CPTSD may be tied to ongoing microaggressions, religious trauma, bullying, or internalized queerphobia.



A Queer-Affirming Approach

Traditional trauma models don't always account for the compounding effects of identity-based trauma. A queer-affirming therapy practice recognizes that:

  • Coming out can be a traumatic or re-traumatizing experience

  • Systemic oppression (e.g., transphobia, homophobia) can lead to chronic stress

  • Chosen family and queer community are essential to healing


Therapists in affirming practices are trained to navigate these nuances without pathologizing queer identity.


Healing in a Safe Space

Whether you're navigating PTSD, CPTSD, or both, healing is possible. Queer-affirming therapy creates a space where clients can explore trauma without fear of judgment or erasure. Modalities such as somatic therapy, and parts work (like Internal Family Systems) can be tailored to support the specific needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals.


If you or someone you know is looking for queer-affirming trauma therapy, our practice is here to help. Reach out today to begin your path toward healing.

Want more content like this?

Join our mailing list

Share This Article

Book Your Intro Session With A Therapist

Find A therapist

Read more from the blog

Read more from the blog

Stay in the Know

Join our newsletter to get mental health tips and promotional offers delivered to you weekly.

Drop us a line.


Questions, concerns or need support?


info@expansivetherapy.com

(917) 426-1521

© 2023 EXPANSIVE THERAPY | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Stay in the Know

Join our newsletter to get mental health tips and promotional offers delivered to you weekly.

Drop us a line.


Questions, concerns or need support?


info@expansivetherapy.com

(917) 426-1521

© 2023 EXPANSIVE THERAPY | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Stay in the Know

Join our newsletter to get mental health tips and promotional offers delivered to you weekly.

Drop us a line.

Questions, concerns or need support?


info@expansivetherapy.com

(917)426-1521

© 2023 EXPANSIVE THERAPY | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

& New York

352 7th Ave, Suite 1201

New York NY 10001

In California

606 N Larchmont Blvd, 4 B, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Limited in-person availability:

Stay in the Know

Join our newsletter to get mental health tips and promotional offers delivered to you weekly.

Drop us a line.

Questions, concerns or need support?


info@expansivetherapy.com

(917) 426-1521

© 2023 EXPANSIVE THERAPY | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Book your intro session with a therapist

Book your intro session with a therapist

Book your intro session with a therapist