I still struggle with flashbacks, hypervigilance, negative beliefs about myself, and attachment issues, but I’ve made real progress toward healing. For me, the most important part is having a safe, supportive relationship. Also, somatic practices help a lot—breathing techniques (especially long exhales), nervous system resets like cold water on the face or gentle movement, grounding, and taking time to come back into my body. Over time, I’ve started to feel more whole. I’m learning how to love myself in a way that actually feels real. Reclaiming my story through symbol and metaphor—especially in the work I do with the Purple Phoenix Collective—has been a big part of that 🦋

Yes—people can recover from CPTSD. It doesn’t mean erasing the past, but it does mean your symptoms can ease and your sense of safety and stability can grow. With the right support and tools, the nervous system can learn to feel safe again. It’s usually gradual and it’s a lot of hard work, but real change is possible. Here are some tools and supports that can help ease CPTSD: • Trauma-informed therapy (like EMDR, somatic therapy, or parts work) • Safe, supportive relationships • Nervous system regulation (breathing, grounding, body-based practices) • Consistent routines and structure • Journaling or creative expression • Psychoeducation (understanding how trauma affects the brain and body) • Mindfulness and self-compassion practices • Physical movement (yoga, walking, stretching) Not everything works for everyone—but having a mix of support, skills, and understanding can make a big difference over time 💜🦋☯️