Psychotraumatology, the science dedicated to understanding and treating psychological trauma, owes its profound evolution to visionary clinicians, pioneering researchers, and innovative psychotherapists who dared to rethink trauma and its profound effects on mind and body.
From foundational figures like Pierre Janet and Jean-Martin Charcot, who first identified the psychological complexities behind trauma responses, to contemporary neuroscientists and therapists such as Bessel van der Kolk, Judith Herman, and Rick Doblin, these influential leaders have continuously transformed therapeutic practice and deepened our understanding of human resilience. Their collective legacy not only defines modern trauma care but also continues to offer hope and healing pathways for countless individuals worldwide.
Historical Foundations (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)
- Jean-Martin Charcot (1825–1893)
Neurological foundations of trauma and hysteria. - Pierre Janet (1859–1947)
Dissociation theory and phase-oriented trauma treatment.
Mid-20th Century: Trauma Recognition and Early Treatment Models
- Judith Lewis Herman, M.D. (b. 1942)
Complex PTSD is a foundational three-phase trauma treatment model.
Late 20th Century: Neuroscientific Breakthroughs and Innovative Therapies
- Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. (b. 1943)
Neuroscience of trauma and somatic interventions; author of “The Body Keeps the Score.” - Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. (1948–2019)
Developed EMDR therapy for PTSD. - Stephen Porges, Ph.D. (b. 1945)
Polyvagal Theory. - Richard Schwartz, Ph.D. (b. 1950)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) model. - Peter A. Levine, Ph.D. (b. 1942)
Somatic Experiencing. - Bruce Perry, M.D., Ph.D. (b. 1955)
Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) and developmental trauma. - John Briere, Ph.D. (b. 1951)
Integrative trauma treatment emphasizing mindfulness and compassion. - Pat Ogden, Ph.D. (b. 1950)
Sensorimotor psychotherapy integrating body awareness and attachment theory. - Onno van der Hart, Ph.D. (b. 1941)
Co-developed structural dissociation theory. - Ellert Nijenhuis, Ph.D. (active late 20th century–present)
Structural dissociation theory; co-author of “The Haunted Self.” - Suzette Boon, Ph.D. (active late 20th century–present)
Clinical psychologist specialized in dissociative disorders; co-author of “Coping with Trauma-Related Dissociation.” - Kathy Steele, M.N., C.S. (active late 20th century–present)
Clinician and author, specialized in dissociative disorders; co-developed structural dissociation theory and authored influential clinical texts. - Sebern Fisher, M.A. (active late 20th century–present)
Pioneer in Neurofeedback therapy for developmental trauma. - Maggie Schauer, Ph.D. (active late 20th century–present)
Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) for complex trauma. - Andreas Maercker, Ph.D. (b. 1960)
Complex PTSD, prolonged grief disorder, and the socio-interpersonal trauma model. - Gabor Maté, M.D. (b. 1944)
Trauma, addiction, and mind-body connections. - Janina Fisher, PhD
Fragmented self and developing integrative treatment approaches for complex trauma
Early 21st Century – Contemporary Advances in Neuroscience and Clinical Trauma Research
- Rachel Yehuda, Ph.D. (b. 1959)
Epigenetics of trauma and intergenerational trauma. - Ruth Lanius, M.D., Ph.D. (active early 21st century–present)
Neuroimaging research on dissociation and PTSD. - Bethany Brand, Ph.D. (active early 21st century–present)
Researcher and clinician specializing in complex dissociative disorders. - Frank Corrigan, M.D. (active early 21st century–present)
Developed Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), focusing on subcortical mechanisms in trauma. - Frank Anderson, M.D. (active early 21st century–present)
Integration of neuroscience with IFS for relational and attachment trauma, developing more effective trauma treatment with IFS - Rick Doblin, Ph.D. (b. 1953)
Founder of MAPS, leading psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy research for PTSD.