Complex Childhood Trauma & Emotional Flashbacks

What it is. Complex-PTSD (C-PTSD) stems from prolonged neglect, abuse, or household dysfunction (ACEs). Pete Walker notes emotional flashbacks where adults relive childhood terror without a clear narrative.

What the research says. Top-down methods (CBT, narrative) and bottom-up somatic approaches (EMDR, Brainspotting) both reduce hyper-arousal. Bessel van der Kolk emphasizes restoring body awareness, while family constellations address ancestral entanglements.

How I help. We develop a "flashback rescue" protocol, practice grounding (5-4-3-2-1, vagus-nerve breathing), and use parts mapping to ensure no exile stands alone. When appropriate, I refer for EMDR while continuing integration work through Bowen and Integral lenses so trauma no longer drives your life narrative.