Are you stuck on the 4Fs of CPTSD Response?

Do you know the 4Fs of CPTSD response?

There are four defensive responses that develop out of childhood trauma and CPTSD: Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn.

According to Pete Walker, those who have repetitively experienced childhood trauma learn to survive by over-relying on one or two responses and may find it difficult to relax back into a balanced state.

1. | Fight

Fight types believe that power and control will create safety. They respond to feelings of abandonment with anger.

This might look like: Explosive temper, demanding perfection from others, controlling behavior.

2. | Flight

Flight types believe that perfection will bring safety and love. They flee from inner pain with constant busyness.

This might look like: Workholism, obsessive worrying, perfectionism, adrenaline addiction, substance addictions.

3. | Freeze

Freeze types believe that people are inherently dangerous and find safety in solitude. They disconnect and protect themselves from abandonment pain.

This might look like: Dissociation, social isolation, inability to make decisions, excessive TV & video games, prolonged bouts of sleep.

4. | Fawn

Fawn types believe that merging with the wishes and demands of others will bring safety and love. They become helpful and compliant.

This might look like: People-pleasing, avoiding conflict, codependency, struggle to express their own needs, preferences & boundaries.

Which of the 4F responses do you most identify with?

Source: The 4Fs: A Trauma Typology in Complex PTSD by Pete Walker

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