Complex PTSD

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Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps people heal from complex trauma by fostering compassion and connection within themselves. IFS views the mind as made up of “parts” that each hold emotions, memories, and protective roles developed through life experiences. Rather than pathologising these parts, IFS helps clients access their core Self—an inner state of calm, curiosity, and confidence. From this place, they can gently unburden wounded parts and release patterns of shame, fear, and self-blame. For CPTSD survivors, IFS offers deep emotional integration, self-leadership, and lasting transformation through genuine inner safety and self-acceptance.

Compassionate Inquiry, developed by Dr. Gabor Maté, is a gentle yet powerful approach I draw on, to help clients understand the deeper roots of their emotional pain and trauma. Together, we explore the unconscious patterns, beliefs, and protective behaviours that formed in response to early experiences of disconnection or stress. Through curiosity and compassion, this process supports you in safely uncovering what lies beneath your struggles, reconnecting with your body’s wisdom, and reclaiming your authentic self. Compassionate Inquiry is especially supportive for those healing from complex trauma, offering a pathway toward self-understanding, emotional freedom, and genuine inner connection. 

Narcissistic abuse is a frequent root of Complex PTSD (CPTSD), as chronic manipulation, gaslighting, and emotional invalidation dismantle a person’s sense of safety and self-worth. Survivors endure prolonged psychological control and unpredictability, fostering shame, confusion, and hypervigilance. Awareness of narcissistic abuse is crucial in recovery, as it helps survivors name the invisible dynamics that shaped their trauma and release misplaced self-blame. Understanding these patterns restores clarity, self-trust, and boundaries—key foundations for resilience and self-worth. With compassionate, trauma-informed support, survivors can reclaim their autonomy, rebuild a coherent sense of self, and move from emotional survival toward genuine safety and connection.  Familiarity with the incidious ways that contact with such individuals can cause long lasting and significant damage is vital to both recovery.  Equally, in understanding the patterns and behaviours of narcissism as well as the ways we can leave ourselves vulnerable to such characters, survivers develop the essential capacities of identifying and cultivate safe relationships in the future.