Psychotraumatology · Open Reference
The most complete resource for psychotraumatology.
50 clinician-reviewed articles on the history, neurobiology, and evidence-based treatment of trauma — structured for practitioners, students, and researchers.
Referenced & sourced
Every article cites primary literature — van der Kolk, Porges, Perry, Yehuda, and beyond.
Neurobiologically grounded
From HPA-axis dysregulation to the polyvagal theory, the science behind trauma is central.
Clinically useful
The triphasic model, EMDR, IFS, Somatic Experiencing, DBR — organised for real practice.
Browse by category
Six sections, from foundations to clinical modalities.
3 articles
History of Psychotraumatology
The origins and conceptual development of psychotraumatology as a discipline.
Read7 articles
Neurobiology of Trauma
How traumatic experience shapes brain, body, and nervous system.
Read15 articles
Body of Knowledge of Psychotraumatology
Core theories, models, and mechanisms that define modern trauma science.
Read10 articles
Trauma
Types of trauma — from acute events to intergenerational and collective wounds.
Read3 articles
The Triphasic Model for Treating Trauma
The three-phase framework guiding trauma treatment worldwide.
Read12 articles
Evidence-Based Trauma Therapies and Models
Clinical modalities with research support for treating traumatic stress.
ReadFrequently asked
Answer-first summaries of the questions clinicians and students ask most often.
- What is psychotraumatology?
- Psychotraumatology is the scientific and clinical study of psychological trauma — how overwhelming experiences affect the brain, body, and mind, and how they can be treated. It integrates neurobiology, developmental psychology, attachment theory, and evidence-based psychotherapy.
- What is the difference between PTSD and Complex PTSD?
- PTSD follows a discrete traumatic event and centers on intrusion, avoidance, negative mood, and hyperarousal. Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), recognized in ICD-11, follows prolonged inescapable trauma and adds persistent disturbances in self-organization: emotion regulation, self-concept, and relationships.
- What is the triphasic model of trauma treatment?
- The triphasic model, described by Judith Herman, structures trauma therapy into three phases: (1) Safety and Stabilization, (2) Trauma Memory Processing, and (3) Integration and Rehabilitation. It is the internationally accepted framework for treating complex trauma.
- Which trauma therapies are evidence-based?
- The strongest evidence base supports EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, prolonged exposure, and Cognitive Processing Therapy. For complex and developmental trauma, IFS, Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, DBR, and the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics are increasingly supported.
- Is this library free to use?
- Yes. Psychotrauma is an open reference for clinicians, students, and researchers. Every article cites primary literature and is accessible without registration.