Over the years as a trauma therapist I have I work with a lot of people who have complex ptsd (CPTSD) who experience intense freeze responses. The freeze response is a trauma response, often experienced after a fight or flight response, and is often in response to an overload of stress or trauma triggers. (See previous blog post on the "Window of Tolerance" to learn more)
CPTSD often stems from chronic experiences in childhood of being put down, abused or neglected but it can develop from accumulative experiences in adulthood, such as being in an abusive relationship.
The freeze response may have been adaptive for CPTSD survivors in the past when experiencing emotional or verbal abuse and withdrawing, hiding and isolating to create a sense of safety from danger.
"Freezing" is akin to being stuck in "shut down" mode and may be associated with chronic depression or dissociation.
The freeze response may also be experienced as a part of autistic burnout, in the absence of CPTSD for those who are Autistic. For Autistic folks living with the demands and pressure of a neurotypical world can create similar symptoms to CPTSD.
People in freeze mode may end up retreating to sleep as a coping strategy or numbing with video games, TV or social media.
Sometimes those with the freeze response may swiftly cut-off communication in relationships when any danger is sensed. A freeze response may occur in conflict situations where one partner is unable to talk or work things out with their partner, despite their willingness, as their body does not allow them to, as if they cannot find the words and shut down in their ability to communicate.
Working with clients in freeze response can be tricky as when they are most overwhelmed and frozen they may difficulty being be able to talk, answer their phone or attend therapy appointments.
I have had to learn along the way how to work with intense freeze responses therapeutically. Here are a few tips for navigating experiencing a freeze response.
Remember YOU know yourself best, some of these may work for you and others may not- take time to try out different strategies and identify what works for you.
When you are in the middle of a freeze response, it may take time for you to "thaw out". Connect with people via phone or text (or in-person if you are comfortable) who can reassure you and let you know they are there for you, not judging you, and willing to meet when you feel ready.
Do not put pressure on yourself to snap out of it, or engage in conversation until you are ready to do so . This is a time for self-compassion, self-care and self-soothing
Consider using DBT TIPP skills (see blog on the DBT TIPP skill) cold packs, ice, hot drinks, candy to connect with sensations, and can ease symptoms of dissociation and decrease overwhelm.
Have self-soothing objects close by, consider weighted blankets, stuffed animals, fidget toys, scented candles or anything that brings you a sense of self-soothing.
When you are no longer in freeze, reflect back non-judgementally on the freeze episode on your own, or with a therapist, or trusted friend or partner and identify what can help you navigate the freeze response with your support system in the future.
After you are back in your window of tolerance and feeling more grounded reflect on what triggered your freeze response, and consider whether changes are needed in your life or environment, or whether there is underlying trauma connected to this response that you could process with a counsellor.
Overall be kind to yourself, the freeze response has been protecting you for many years and its intention is to keep you safe, it may take some time and healing and compassion to find a way forward that works for you.
Not everyone may understand the freeze response in people with cptsd and what you have gone through in the past that causes you to freeze- look to surround yourself with people who are validating and encouraging in your life.
To find a trauma therapist near you who can help you understand the window of tolerance and how to navigate the freeze response please contact our team of counsellors in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada at info@emotionwise.ca
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