It's important to note that seeking help from a qualified mental health professional is crucial for developing a personalized treatment plan that suits your specific needs and circumstances.
Healing from CPTSD is possible, but it can be a challenging and individualized process. Since you mentioned that EMDR and talk therapy were triggering for you, it might be helpful to explore other therapeutic approaches that are better suited to your needs and tolerance levels. Here are some alternative therapies that have shown promise in treating CPTSD:
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): This form of therapy aims to help individuals understand how trauma has impacted their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and develop coping strategies to manage symptoms.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT focuses on developing skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: This approach emphasizes the connection between the mind and body, aiming to process trauma by addressing physical sensations and movements.
Somatic Experiencing: This therapy focuses on discharging and resolving the physical energy trapped in the body due to trauma.
Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Practices like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) can help individuals develop awareness and reduce reactivity to trauma triggers.
Creative Arts Therapies: Engaging in creative outlets like art therapy, music therapy, or dance/movement therapy can offer alternative ways to express and process trauma experiences.
Support Groups: Connecting with others who have experienced similar trauma can be beneficial in creating a sense of belonging and understanding.
Holistic Approaches: Some individuals find relief through activities like yoga, meditation, nature therapy, or animal-assisted therapy.
Remember that healing from CPTSD is not a linear process, and it's essential to be patient with yourself. It may take time to find the right therapeutic approach or combination of therapies that work best for you. Additionally, ensuring you have a skilled and experienced trauma-informed therapist is crucial to your healing journey.
If you haven't already, I strongly encourage you to seek the support of a mental health professional who specializes in trauma and CPTSD. They can help you navigate your healing process in a safe and supportive environment. In some cases, a mental health professional may recommend a combination of therapies or adjustments to treatment to address your specific needs and concerns.