OUR PROGRAMS
We are Creating Change Through Four Connected Impact Areas
The Healing and CPTSD Foundation works to transform how Complex PTSD is understood, recognized, researched, and supported.
Our work is organized across four interconnected program areas that work together to increase public understanding, document survivor experiences, influence systems and policy, and expand access to healing resources.
Together, these programs create a comprehensive approach to advancing recognition and improving the lives of people impacted by Complex PTSD.
EDUCATION, PUBLISHING, + PUBLIC AWARENESS
Building understanding, reducing stigma, and expanding trauma awareness.
Education is the foundation of change. Through accessible educational resources, survivor storytelling, publishing initiatives, and public awareness campaigns, we work to increase understanding of Complex PTSD and the long-term impact of complex trauma.
By making trauma education more accessible, we work to reduce stigma, improve public understanding, and help more people recognize Complex PTSD in themselves and others.
Highlights include:
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CPTSD Awareness Month
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ComplexPTSD.org
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Educational guides and toolkits
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CPTSD Resource Center
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Survivor storytelling initiatives
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Public awareness campaigns
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Publishing and written resources
SURVIVOR RESEARCH + DATA INITIATIVE
Turning survivor experiences into evidence that drives change.
Our Survivor Research & Data Initiative collects anonymous, survivor-informed data that helps document the lived experiences of people impacted by Complex PTSD.
These findings strengthen education, inform advocacy, support future research, and help ensure survivor voices are represented in conversations about trauma, policy, and systems change.
Highlights include:
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Annual CPTSD Census
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Annual Sexual Abuse Survivor Census
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Survivor experience reports
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Policy briefs
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Research summaries
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Data-driven awareness initiatives
ADVOCACY + SYSTEMS CHANGE
Advancing recognition, policy reform, and trauma-informed systems.
The Advocacy & Systems Change program focuses on transforming how institutions recognize and respond to Complex PTSD. By translating education efforts, survivor experiences, and community data into advocacy action, the Foundation works to advance recognition, influence policy discussions, strengthen trauma-informed practices, and improve how systems respond to survivors.
Highlights include:
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Advocacy for formal recognition of CPTSD in the DSM
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CPTSD Recognition Act and related policy proposals
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Trauma informed systems advocacy
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Public Petitions and Advocacy Campaigns
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The CPTSD Alliance Coalition Network
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Healthcare, education, and law enforcement reform initiatives
HEALING GRANTS PROGRAM
Providing direct financial support for survivor healing.
(PROJECTED LAUNCH 2030)
The Healing Grants Program is designed to provide direct financial assistance to survivors of complex trauma who face barriers accessing healing resources and stabilizing their lives.
This future initiative represents the Foundation’s long-term commitment to supporting survivor healing beyond awareness and advocacy alone.
Potential future grant areas include:
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Trauma-specific therapy
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Medical expenses
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Essential living expenses
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Emergency assistance
How Our Programs Work Together
Our programs are designed to build upon one another, creating a continuous cycle of education, evidence, advocacy, and survivor support.
Education & Awareness
Increase public understanding and reduce stigma.
Survivor Research & Data
Document lived experiences and identify unmet needs.
Advocacy & Systems Change
Use education and research to influence policy and improve systems.
Healing Grants
Expand access to resources that support survivor healing.
Together, We're Creating Lasting Change
No single program can transform how Complex PTSD is understood and supported on its own. By connecting education, research, advocacy, and future direct support, we're working toward a future where survivors are better understood, better supported, and no longer invisible within the systems designed to help them.
Looking for Peer Support?
While the Foundation focuses on education, research, advocacy, and systems change, we know that many people are also looking for connection with others who truly understand what they're experiencing.
The first program created as part of our broader mission was the Healing and CPTSD Community Hub—a private, survivor-led peer support community offering support circles, educational events, discussion spaces, and community resources for individuals impacted by Complex PTSD and related trauma.
Although the Foundation originally created the Community Hub, it is no longer operated by the Foundation and now functions as an independent organization. Because the Foundation does not provide peer support services, therapy, or crisis intervention, we continue to refer individuals seeking peer support to the Community Hub as a trusted resource.
Transparency Note: If you choose to join the Community Hub using the referral link below, a portion of your monthly membership is contributed to The Healing and CPTSD Foundation at no additional cost to you. These contributions help support the Foundation's nonprofit mission, including education, survivor-informed research, advocacy, and public awareness initiatives.
If you're looking for a supportive peer community, we encourage you to learn more about the Healing and CPTSD Community Hub.