Complex Trauma & PTSD
Evidence-based treatments including Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Written Exposure Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy-Prolonged Exposure, and DBT for Complex -PTSD to help you reclaim your life from trauma.
Understanding Complex Trauma and PTSD
You Don’t Have to Stay Stuck in the Past
Traumatic experiences can leave you feeling trapped, unsafe, and unable to move forward. Whether you’ve experienced childhood abuse, sexual trauma, combat exposure, traumatic invalidation, or ongoing interpersonal trauma, the impact can affect every area of your life—your relationships, emotions, sense of self, and ability to feel safe in the world. At Summit Psychotherapy Center, we specialize in helping adults heal from PTSD and complex trauma using the most effective evidence-based treatments available. Our doctoral-level clinicians are founding members of Stanford’s DBT Trauma Team and certified clinicians in trauma treatment. We’re here to support you in reclaiming your life from trauma.
What is Complex Trauma?
Understanding the Impact
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms include intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance of reminders, hypervigilance, and emotional numbing. Trauma can make you feel like you’re constantly reliving the past, unable to feel safe in the present.
Complex Trauma (C-PTSD)
Complex trauma results from repeated, prolonged traumatic experiences – often in childhood or in relationships where you couldn’t escape. This can include ongoing abuse, neglect, or domestic violence, often paired with or chronic invalidation. Complex trauma affects not just your memories, but your sense of self, ability to regulate emotions, and capacity for healthy relationships.
Types of Trauma We Treat:
Childhood sexual, physical, or emotional abuse
Sexual assault and rape
Domestic violence and intimate partner violence
Physical assault or gun violence
Combat and military trauma
Accidents/Motor vehicle accidents
Medical trauma
Traumatic loss and grief
Traumatic invalidation
Emotional neglect
Witnessing violence
Signs and Symptoms
Common Symptoms of PTSD and Complex Trauma
Trauma affects people in different ways, but common symptoms include:
Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
Avoiding reminders of the trauma
Feeling constantly on edge or hypervigilant
Difficulty trusting others
Emotional numbing or feeling disconnected
Intense shame, guilt, or self-blame
Difficulty regulating emotions
Relationship difficulties and fear of intimacy
Negative beliefs about yourself or the world
Sleep disturbances
Difficulty concentrating
Physical symptoms like tension or pain
Evidence-Based
Treatment Approaches
Evidence-Based
Specialized Trauma Treatment That Works
Our team is extensively trained in the most effective evidence-based treatments for PTSD and complex trauma:
Prolonged Exposure (PE)
Certified providers help you emotionally process trauma memories and reclaim your life
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Certified providers help you address stuck points and change unhelpful trauma-related beliefs
Written Exposure Therapy (WET)
Brief, effective writing-based trauma processing
DBT-Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE)
Combined approach for comorbid PTSD and BPD/ emotion dysregulation
DBT for Complex PTSD (DBT-PTSD)
Integrated treatment for complex trauma, dissociation, and relationship difficulties
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Mindfulness and values-based trauma recovery
Trauma Focused DBT Skills Group
Learn skills to address emotions and sequelae related to trauma
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)
Reducing shame and self-criticism through compassion-based strategies
What to Expect in Trauma Treatment
Your Path to Healing
Comprehensive Assessment
We begin by understanding your unique trauma history, current symptoms, and treatment goals. This collaborative assessment helps us match you with the most effective treatment approach.
Building Safety and Stability
Before trauma processing, we ensure you have skills to manage difficult emotions and maintain safety. For complex trauma or comorbid BPD/PTSD this foundation-building phase is essential.
Trauma Processing
Using evidence-based approaches listed above, you’ll work with your therapist to process traumatic memories in a safe, supportive environment. This isn’t about reliving trauma – it’s about taking back control.
Reclaiming Your Life
As trauma loses its grip, you’ll work on rebuilding your life, strengthening relationships, and moving toward what matters most to you. Recovery is possible, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Why Choose Summit for Trauma Treatment?
Expert, Compassionate Trauma Care
Our team brings exceptional expertise to trauma treatment. We’re founding members of Stanford University’s DBT Trauma Team, certified providers in Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy, and specialists in treating the most complex trauma presentations. We don’t just teach trauma treatment—we actively practice it, treating individuals with PTSD and complex trauma daily. Our boutique practice ensures you receive personalized, specialized care from doctoral-level clinicians who are passionate about trauma recovery and committed to your healing.
Ready to Take Your Life Back from Trauma?
You don’t have to carry this burden alone. Our specialized trauma team is here to support you in the brave work of healing and moving toward a meaningful life. Take the first step today.