Is one of these modalities the go-to for CPTSD? Are they used together? Seems to me like EMDR would be more likely to work for more simple trauma in which is consists of a single or few traumatic events. I think IFS or other therapy might be more effect for complex PTSD consisting of more varied events over many years. But I don’t know. Can anyone here speak to this?
Well, you don't have to actually pick one; you usually only do one at a time, but it's not a binary choice.
Personally, EMDR helped me a lot more then IFS, but some people respond really well to IFS.
CPTSD hasn't really been studied a lot, but what works for PTSD seems to apply just as well for CPTSD. Trauma is trauma, I guess.
Edit: I should mention that EMDR has been life changing for me, and my trauma is very intense and complex.
My therapist is really eclectic, but we both detest CBT so no that. He uses a combination of what works best for the client, and for me that's been EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, IFS, Attachment therapy, and some clinical hypnosis (light on this one). This has been life-changing for me, but it still wouldn't have been helpful if I didn't have such a strong connection to my therapist. It really is more about the therapeutic relationship than the individual modality for me, as long as we stay away from CBT :-D
I believe both have an equal place in CPTSD treatment. The approaches are different, and both can produce very positive outcomes, dependent on the client's willingness and openness to the process. I wish you light and strength on the journey!
both. and it hurts like a bitch trying to heal. depending on how deep your cptsd is. going through it now. i fucking hate everyone
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The one that's helped me most is Interpersonal Neurobiology, which is pretty much what's in the Pete Walker book.
EMDR didn't work for me. Only IFS. But that's me. Every person is different. You should try and see what you feel.
Judith Herman talks about recovery from CPTSD (she created the diagnosis). It also mentions treatment in this article
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bjpsych-advances/article/complex-posttraumatic-stress-disorder-a-new-diagnosis-in-icd11/2977140CBDAAF402610715BB609F688C