Coping with Trauma-Related Dissociation

Skills Training for Patients and Therapists

Onno van der Hart, Kathy Steele, Suzette Boon

21 min read
1m 11s intro

Brief summary

This book offers a guide for understanding and healing from trauma-related dissociation. It provides practical skills for managing internal “parts,” grounding yourself in the present, and moving from inner conflict to a state of collaboration and stability.

Who it's for

This is for anyone who experiences a fragmented sense of self, memory gaps, or emotional overwhelm as a result of complex trauma.

Coping with Trauma-Related Dissociation

Audio & text in the Readsome app

Introduction: Starting the Healing Process

Many people feel ashamed of their mental health struggles and try to hide them. It is common to feel overwhelmed by different parts of your personality that you do not fully understand. This fear often makes people avoid the help they desperately need. Eventually, the weight of these problems becomes too much to handle alone. Reaching out for support requires the courage to trust a therapist and to trust yourself.

Onno van der Hart explains that people with complex trauma often struggle with dissociation, a condition that is frequently misunderstood. To help, this approach provides practical tools for the early stages of treatment, focusing on understanding symptoms and working with internal parts. The goal is to move from confusion toward a manageable and stable daily life. By addressing these issues directly, you can begin to regain control over your experiences.

Healing works best when guided by a trained therapist. It is important to find a steady pace, using grounding exercises when things feel overwhelming. Because every person is different, exercises should be modified to fit your personal needs. Consistent practice of these new skills, rather than just reading about them, is what leads to lasting change and recovery.

Healing happens when you learn to communicate with your internal parts. Instead of seeing them as burdens, you can learn to work with them. This change turns internal conflict into teamwork. By learning new skills and accepting support, your life becomes much easier to manage. You are worthy of being helped, and recovery starts when you believe in your ability to change.

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About the author

Onno van der Hart

Onno van der Hart is a Dutch psychologist, psychotherapist, and researcher recognized as an international expert in psychotraumatology. He is an Emeritus Professor of Psychopathology of Chronic Traumatization at Utrecht University and a Past-President of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. His primary contributions to the field include his extensive work on trauma-related dissociation and the development of the theory of structural dissociation of the personality.

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