PTSD and C-PTSD support
Trauma-Informed Support for PTSD and Complex PTSD
This page explains post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (C-PTSD) in plain language, and describes how trauma-informed therapy may address these experiences within the clinician's verified scope of practice. If you are affected by the aftermath of childhood trauma, a consultation with Dr. Arlene Drake is a safe way to ask questions. Virtual therapy is available to California residents.
Understanding PTSD
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a condition that can develop after exposure to an extremely threatening or horrific event. Symptoms commonly include re-experiencing the event (intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares), avoidance of reminders, and a persistent sense of heightened threat, such as hypervigilance or an easily triggered startle response.
The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that about 3.6 percent of U.S. adults experienced PTSD in the past year, and about 6.8 percent will experience it at some point in their lives. It is more common among women than men, and childhood trauma is a known risk factor.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder statistics.
Re-experiencing
Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares that feel present.
Avoidance
Avoiding people, places, or topics that could trigger distress.
Heightened threat
Hypervigilance, edginess, difficulty relaxing or sleeping.
Affecting daily life
Symptoms that interfere with work, relationships, or wellbeing.
Complex PTSD
What is complex PTSD (C-PTSD)?
The World Health Organization's ICD-11 describes complex PTSD as a disorder that may follow extremely threatening or horrific events, most commonly prolonged or repeated experiences from which escape is difficult, such as repeated childhood abuse. It includes the core symptoms of PTSD plus three further areas of disturbance: difficulty regulating emotions, a persistently negative view of oneself (shame, defeat, worthlessness), and difficulties sustaining close relationships.
In plain terms: where PTSD often centers on fear and avoidance, C-PTSD also shapes the inner world, how a person feels about themselves, and how they connect with others. Both are human responses to overwhelming experience, and both can be understood and addressed in therapy.
Source: World Health Organization ICD-11, Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (6B41).
How therapy helps
How does trauma-focused therapy address these experiences?
In this practice, work with PTSD and C-PTSD follows the same structured, active philosophy as the rest of the therapy: psychoeducation about how trauma affects the nervous system and self, gradual and consensual exploration of patterns, and practical skills for grounding, coping, and self-relation. Sessions move at the client's pace, and safety is prioritized throughout.
- Education about trauma responses, so symptoms make sense rather than feel shameful
- Support within the clinician’s verified scope of practice, with honesty about what that includes
- Skills for managing distress and grounding in the present
- Exploration of the beliefs about self that trauma created
- Regular review of progress and goals
If you are in crisis
This website is not a crisis service. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For emotional crisis support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available in the United States at any hour.
Getting started
How do I begin?
Reach out through the contact page or by calling (818) 516-3013 for a consultation. You can ask about the approach, scope of practice, fees, and availability without sharing a detailed history. Requesting a consultation does not guarantee acceptance into treatment.
Common questions
PTSD and C-PTSD, in short
What is the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD?
PTSD describes symptoms after exposure to an extremely threatening or horrific event, including re-experiencing, avoidance, and heightened threat perception. Complex PTSD (recognized in the WHO ICD-11) adds disturbances in emotion regulation, self-concept, and relationships, and most commonly follows prolonged or repeated trauma, such as repeated childhood abuse. Read a fuller explanation.
Does Dr. Drake treat PTSD and C-PTSD?
Support is provided within the clinician’s verified scope of practice, and suitability is assessed during a consultation. PTSD and C-PTSD are understood in the context of each person’s history and needs.
I think I may have PTSD. How do I find out?
Only a qualified professional can provide a diagnosis. This page is educational, not diagnostic. A consultation can help you discuss your experiences and determine next steps.
Begin with a conversation
Understanding is the first form of relief
Ask questions about PTSD and C-PTSD support in a consultation: the approach, the scope of practice, fees, and availability, all without pressure and without a detailed history.