Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Body of Knowledge of Psychotraumatology

Parts Theory, Ego-State Theory, and Structural Dissociation: Differences, Overlaps, and Clinical Implications for Trauma

Theories emphasizing multiplicity within the personality, such as Parts Theory (Internal Family Systems - IFS), Ego-State Theory, and the Theory of Structural Dissociation, have significantly enriched contemporary trauma treatment by acknowledging internal fragmentation and promoting integration as central therapeutic goals (Fisher, 2017; Schwartz, 2021; Van der Hart et al., 2006). Parts Theory (Internal Family Systems)

Body of Knowledge of Psychotraumatology

Theory of Structural Dissociation and Trauma-Related Dissociation

The Theory of Structural Dissociation, developed by Onno van der Hart, Ellert Nijenhuis, and Kathy Steele (2006), provides a comprehensive framework for understanding dissociation as a fundamental consequence of trauma. This theory offers a detailed conceptualization of how traumatic experiences, particularly chronic or developmental trauma, fragment an individual's personality into distinct psychological structures or parts,

Evidence-Based Trauma Therapies and Models

Criteria for Evaluating Trauma Therapies

Selecting appropriate therapeutic interventions in psychotraumatology requires clearly defined criteria that ensure treatments are effective, clinically sound, ethically responsible, and culturally responsive. This section delineates the essential criteria used to evaluate and select trauma therapies, including empirical support, neurobiological coherence, and ethical and cultural considerations. 2.1 Empirical Support (Efficacy vs. Effectiveness) Evaluating the empirical support

Evidence-Based Trauma Therapies and Models

Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)

Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), developed by psychiatrist Frank Corrigan, is a specialized trauma therapy explicitly designed to address deep-seated trauma impacts at the subcortical, neurophysiological level. DBR is particularly suitable for trauma marked by intense emotional and somatic dysregulation, chronic dissociation, and unresolved survival-based responses. Foundational Principles DBR is grounded in trauma neuroscience, specifically targeting

Evidence-Based Trauma Therapies and Models

Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, developed by Richard Schwartz in the 1980s, has emerged as a highly effective and innovative approach for treating complex trauma and related psychological disorders. IFS conceptualizes the psyche as comprising distinct internal "parts," each embodying unique roles, emotions, and beliefs that are formed through developmental experiences, particularly those involving trauma.

Evidence-Based Trauma Therapies and Models

Neurofeedback and Biofeedback

Neurofeedback and biofeedback are physiologically targeted interventions that train regulation of the nervous system by providing real-time feedback on brain or body signals. In psychotraumatology, they are used to restore autonomic flexibility, dampen hyperarousal, reduce dissociation, and improve attention/affect regulation—capacities often eroded by trauma. Foundational principles Operant conditioning of physiology: clients learn to increase desirable

Evidence-Based Trauma Therapies and Models

Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT)

Overview The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT), developed by Dr. Bruce Perry, is a developmentally informed, neurobiologically grounded framework for assessing and treating children, adolescents, and adults with histories of trauma, neglect, and disrupted attachment. NMT is not a standalone therapy, but rather a clinical map that guides the selection, sequencing, and timing of interventions

Evidence-Based Trauma Therapies and Models

Psychodrama for Trauma (Moreno), PBSP Psychomotor (Albert Pesso), and Contemporary Uses (van der Kolk)

Overview Psychodrama and PBSP (Pesso Boyden System Psychomotor) are experiential, enactment-based therapies that use role play, embodied movement, and structured scenes to repair attachment ruptures, rework traumatic memories, and restore agency. Bessel van der Kolk has highlighted these modalities—especially PBSP “structures”—as powerful for trauma integration when cognitive talk therapy stalls. Foundational principles Action + Embodiment:

Evidence-Based Trauma Therapies and Models

Somatic and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

Somatic and Sensorimotor Psychotherapies represent trauma-informed approaches explicitly designed to engage and resolve trauma at the bodily level. These methodologies integrate principles of neuroscience, trauma theory, and somatic psychology to address physiological symptoms and somatic memory of trauma effectively. Foundational Principles Somatic psychotherapies view trauma as fundamentally embedded within the nervous system and body tissues,

The Triphasic Model for Treating Trauma

Phase Two: Trauma Memory Processing

Once stable safety, emotional regulation, and therapeutic trust have been firmly established, the patient moves into the second phase of trauma recovery: trauma memory processing. This phase involves safely accessing, processing, and integrating traumatic memories to reduce their emotional intensity and cognitive fragmentation, ultimately promoting healing, coherence, and resolution (Herman, 1992; Courtois & Ford, 2013).

Trauma

Complex Trauma (Complex PTSD)

Definition and Core Criteria: Chronic, Relational, and Developmental Aspects Complex trauma, commonly referred to as Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Complex PTSD or C-PTSD), describes the pervasive and prolonged psychological consequences resulting from chronic, interpersonal, and often early-life traumatic experiences. Unlike single-event trauma, complex trauma typically involves ongoing situations characterized by relational betrayal, emotional and physical

Trauma

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Definition and Examples (Single-Event) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a clinical syndrome characterized by persistent emotional distress, intrusive symptoms, avoidance behaviors, and heightened physiological arousal, occurring after experiencing or witnessing a severely distressing or life-threatening event (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). Typically associated with single, clearly identifiable traumatic incidents, PTSD commonly arises from situations such