Complex trauma in children and adults

Running head: COMPLEX TRAUMA
Complex trauma
Student name:
Student ID
Author’s Note

COMPLEX TRAUMA
2
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
An overview of Stress inoculation training (SIT)............................................................................3
An overview of Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET)......................................................................4
A comparison between the two modes of therapy...........................................................................5
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................9
Reference.......................................................................................................................................10

COMPLEX TRAUMA
3
Introduction
Complex trauma can be diagnosed in adults and even children who are subjected to
continuous traumatic events such as cases of neglect, abuse and even violence. Trauma turns out
to be complex if the traumatic experience occurs early in life and most importantly caused by the
carer. The exposure to trauma can be termed as one of the important factors that makes things
complex for the patient. It becomes important to note the fact; it may take more than few years to
recognise symptoms of complex trauma. The essay for the same reason aims to understand the
importance of Stress inoculation training (SIT) and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET), in
training patients with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The essay identifies modus
operandi of both the treatment models and evaluating efficacy of the same through the course
An overview of Stress inoculation training (SIT)
SIT is often termed as a mode of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) best suited for
complex stress (Lee et al., 2016). CBT is a form of cognitive therapy that can help the person to
recognize and change the series of incorrect thoughts that influence their thought process. The
modus operandi for SIT is similar to that of a vaccination process. As pointed out by Botella,
Serrano, Baños and Garcia-Palacios (2015), stress inoculation training prepares the body to
defend against the PTSD related anxiety and fear, or even the possible cues that trigger the
associated symptoms. As supported by Brockhurst et al. (2015), exposure to milder form of
stress boosts the confidence of the person ensuring effective response in case of trauma. The
mentioned mode of psychotherapy, operates within the timeline of 90 minutes’ duration with 9 to
12 times, involving a therapist

COMPLEX TRAUMA
4
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.