Welcome to this podcast from the Medical Journal of Australia.

My name is Sally Block, the MJA’s news and online editor.

“The MJA acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which we live and work across Australia.  This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to their Elders past and present.”

Today we will be talking about a type of trauma that generally can’t be seen by the eye. 

Complex trauma is defined as repeated, ongoing, and often extreme interpersonal trauma (between people) –  and it can involve violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation experienced as a child, young person and adult.

The Blue Knot Foundation is a National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma.

Joining me today is the Foundation’s President and Managing Director Dr. Cathy Kezelman AM to talk about complex trauma and how clinicians can help patients who are affected by it.