Understanding PTSD and Complex PTSD: A Guide for Practitioners
Written by the ICPS College Academic Team · Reviewed by ICPS College faculty · Last reviewed: September 2026
Traumatology is the study of how people are affected by overwhelming events and how they recover. For counsellors and allied professionals, a working knowledge of traumatic stress is increasingly essential. Many clients carry trauma histories, whether or not trauma is the reason they first seek help.
What is post-traumatic stress disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. Commonly described features include re-experiencing the event through intrusive memories, flashbacks or nightmares; avoiding reminders; a persistent sense of current threat, such as hypervigilance or an exaggerated startle response; and, in DSM-5, negative changes in thinking and mood. Diagnosis is made by appropriately qualified clinicians, but counsellors benefit from recognising these patterns.
Complex PTSD
The ICD-11 classification includes complex PTSD, which typically follows prolonged or repeated trauma from which escape was difficult, such as ongoing abuse. Alongside the core PTSD features, it involves disturbances in self-organisation: difficulties regulating emotion, a persistently negative self-concept marked by shame or worthlessness, and difficulties sustaining relationships.
The neurobiology of threat
Trauma affects the body as well as the mind. Understanding fight, flight, freeze and shutdown responses helps both practitioner and client make sense of reactions that can otherwise feel confusing or shameful. It also explains why regulation and safety often need to come before detailed work with traumatic memory.
Phased approaches to treatment
Safety and stabilisation: building resources, routine and regulation.
Processing: carefully working with traumatic memories where appropriate.
Integration: reconnecting with relationships, meaning and everyday life.
Study traumatology with ICPS College
The Professional Diploma in Traumatology & PTSD is a live-online specialist programme carrying 60 CPD credits, covering trauma, traumatic stress, PTSD and complex trauma. See the course page for full details and enrolment.
Related ICPS College courses
Important information
This article is educational content for practitioners and learners. It is not a substitute for professional advice, counselling or therapy.
If you are struggling or in distress in Ireland, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123 or text HELLO to 50808 at any time. In an emergency, call 112 or 999.
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