Recognizing Complex Trauma and Attachment Injuries: Signs to Watch For and When to Seek Therapy

Welcome to Repose Counselling! I am Janna, Registered Clinical Counsellor and Owner of Repose Counselling & Consulting. I offer one-on-one counselling services in person in Downtown Kelowna, and online throughout BC. I’m delighted to have you here! 

In my therapy practice, I specialize in treating complex trauma and attachment-related challenges. I developed this specialization after recognizing the lasting impact that early relationships, especially with parents or primary caregivers, can have on well-being. Whether nurturing or dysfunctional, early bonds can profoundly impact relationship patterns throughout life. If left unaddressed, unresolved pain from these relationships can manifest as challenges throughout adulthood. 

Let me briefly define complex trauma and attachment injuries, and outline some of the problems that can arise from these challenges so that you get a better picture of what I’m referring to. If you or someone you know can relate to any of the following, I encourage you to book a free 15-minute consultation with me to explore the potential for healing together. 

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Complex Trauma 

Complex trauma describes the multifaceted impacts – psychological, emotional, spiritual, and physiological – that arise from prolonged exposure to traumatic events such as chronic neglect or abuse, domestic violence, racial discrimination, or living in a war zone. This form of trauma often emerges within the context of formative relationships early in life. 

Survivors of complex trauma often struggle with wide-ranging impacts. It can: 

• Negatively impact social and emotional development, causing the survivor to feel behind compared to their peers.  

• Undermine feelings of trust and security, making it difficult to form secure and lasting relationships. 

• Damage capacity for emotional regulation, leading to intense, unpredictable, and/or seemingly unmanageable feelings.  

• Distort perception of self and others, resulting in poor self-image and an inability to trust.  

• Cause chronic stress that can manifest as physical health problems, negatively impacting the entire body. 

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Attachment Injuries 

Attachment injuries arise out of significant or repeated experiences of feeling excluded, betrayed, ignored, or unheard within a primary attachment relationship, such as with a parent. These injuries can stem from both a caregiver’s actions and their failure to act. In other words, attachment injuries are equally likely to result from a caregiver’s harmful, misattuned presence as they are from the caregiver’s absence or inability to be emotionally present. 

Unaddressed attachment injuries can: 

• Impact one’s ability to trust and connect with others; 

• Lead to repeating difficulties in interpersonal relationships; 

• Cause challenges with intimacy and emotional vulnerability; 

• Trigger ongoing feelings of worthlessness and emotional instability. 

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How I Can Help 

If the issues described above resonate with you and negatively impact your life, I encourage you to seek help. And if help is what you need, you’ve come to the right place! 

Given that complex trauma and attachment injuries often stem from problematic relationships, I make it a priority to foster a safe, secure connection with each of my clients. Cultivating a genuine sense of safety can help alleviate the fears and defenses that arise when painful relational patterns come up in the therapy setting. 

I don’t want you to struggle alone anymore. It would be my honor to welcome you into my cozy office, where we can work together to unpack your challenges. Through a gentle, gradual, and considerate process, we can collaborate to transform your suffering into personal empowerment.