Treating the unconscious complex of PTSD

The purpose of this study is to explore the unconscious complex of psychological trauma experienced by individuals diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. This study explores the substantial morbidity associated with PTSD. Additionally, this study addresses PTSD symptomatology and how it interferes with social and occupational functions, as well as comorbid mood and substance-use disorders that contribute to the negative impact of PTSD. Some of the specific concepts explored in this research are: understanding the impasse of the transcendent function in its dynamic with PTSD, identifying the unconscious complex of psychological trauma that results in PTSD, and determining if identifying the unconscious trauma complex can help treat individuals with PTSD.;The research methodology drew from Jung's analytical psychology and Freud's psychoanalytic theory. An alchemical narrative and phenomenological approach were utilized to identify and understand the themes and patterns of psychological trauma. The phenomenological experience for the researcher was, in essence, the unconscious complex of PTSD. The alchemical process of entering into the nigredo provided a conduit into understanding the psyche of those afflicted with PTSD.;Aspects from the fields of symbolism, dream imagery, alchemy, and mythology were incorporated in encapsulated narrative analyses and narrative dialogues with 7 coresearchers. The research utilized Riessman's (1993) method of narrative analysis as the container for interpreting the stories of the coresearchers all the way from the knowing into the telling. This process allowed the researcher to understand the unconscious complex of PTSD as a suppression or repression of unconscious material. The combined research approach allowed for a thorough understanding of the depth of the coresearchers' psychological trauma. This research offers a framework for working with those who suffer with PTSD, and it proposes a rapid conduit into the treatment of those afflicted with PTSD.