Complex trauma can be managed, but there are nuances. The brain will not return to its pre-injury state. Emotional reactions associated with possible danger will not disappear without a trace. In the course of psychological correction, you can only reduce the amplitude of these reactions and learn to better control them. The metaphor of Marsha Linehan (founder of DBT) is appropriate here: “We cannot regrow an amputated arm, but we can create a high-tech prosthesis that will almost completely replace it.” It all begins from building a trusting relationship between psychologist and client. A person who has experienced trauma has weakened mental defenses, increased vulnerability, and undermined self-esteem. Therefore, no confrontation or exposition. The time for them will come later, when internal resources have been at least somewhat restored, and the psychologist’s office will begin to be perceived as a safe space. In the meantime, only radical acceptance and friendly support. Informing the client. It must be explained that its symptoms (consequences of trauma) are a reaction of the normal psyche to an abnormal situation; that such conditions occur in the majority of people who have had similar experiences. Reduction of general nervous tension. Chronic stress and intense reactions to triggers are associated with an area of ​​the brain called the amygdala. You cannot reach it directly through rational reasoning, but you can indirectly influence it through working with the body: relaxation techniques, diaphragmatic breathing, Mindfulness meditation, yoga exercises and qigong. Medication support. If the client's emotional state is very acute, then it is advisable to refer the client to a psychiatrist to select tranquilizers or antidepressants. This is a temporary measure that will smooth out “emotional pits”, reduce the risk of suicide and self-harm, until the positive effect of working with a psychologist appears. Stress resistance and emotional self-regulation. Typically, clients perceive their negative experiences as something terrible and try with all their might to get rid of them (including with the help of alcohol). This is useless and only makes you feel worse. Instead, it is proposed to accept your feelings as a natural defensive reaction, observe them without judgment and switch your attention to the current moment. “This feeling is unpleasant, but bearable. It is like a wave: it intensifies and then weakens. After a while it will go away on its own, but in the meantime I’ll do what’s important here and now.” Clients also learn to become more aware of their negative thoughts, look at them from the outside and evaluate them critically. “The thought came to me: “I am a nonentity.” As she came, so she will go. This is just one of the hundreds of thoughts that run through my head throughout the day, and not the ultimate truth.” It is especially important to cultivate a caring and kind attitude towards yourself (instead of self-criticism and self-deprecation). The client learns to show self-compassion and support himself as a good friend. “I understand how difficult it is for you now, and I really sympathize. I respect you and appreciate your achievements. I don’t believe for a second that “nothing” is about you. You will cope with everything, and there will be a lot of good things ahead of you.” As a result of the first stage of working with trauma, the amplitude of the client’s negative experiences noticeably decreases, and a willingness to work with traumatic memories appears.