COMPLEX TRAUMA
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The main intervention undertaken in SIT is development of the coping skills. As opined
by Kaczkurkin and Foa (2015), if the patient is subjected to complex trauma they are seen to
receive SIT; the therapist becomes aware of the possible triggers that can cue trauma related
anxiety and fear. Additionally, the patient learns a variety of coping skills for managing anxiety.
Firstly, deep breathing from diaphragm; coupled with muscle relaxation techniques. Secondly,
the events of role playing is important, as it works on analysing the situation from different
perspective and finding possible solutions (Lee et al., 2016). Thirdly, it is important to think and
change the negative behaviours. Once the skill is identified, it becomes important to note the
person should recognise the triggers and work on controlling the same.
An overview of Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET)
Over the course of time, people with complex trauma may develop fear in response to the
traumatic experience. These reminders can be within the environment such as sound, smell, or
even simple thoughts connected with traumatic incidents. As pointed out by Lambert and
Alhassoon (2015), the triggers can give rise to immense level of stress that the person may want
to avoid. The goal of exposure therapy is to reduce the fear and level of anxiety, linked with the
triggers and is usually done by series of confrontation. By dealing with the level of anxiety and
fear, one can conclusively state that fear would reduce on its own as the extent of the reminders
would no longer be fearful. The exposure therapy is usually accompanied with learning of
several relaxation techniques for managing the level of anxiety (Foa et al., 2018). The
continuous exposure to stress and relating events can work on providing a clear idea about the
factors triggering anxiety related behaviour in an individual. The constant exposure to stress can
be termed as one of the leading ways to enhance the coping facilities of the person.

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Complex trauma in children and adults

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