Joanne Twombly, MSW, LICSW, integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS) with essential knowledge from the complex trauma and dissociation field for safer, more effective treatment of C-PTSD and dissociative disorders. She's got more than 30 years of experience in the field of treating dissociation! In her book "Trauma and Dissociation Informed Internal Family Systems: How to Successfully Treat C-PTSD and Dissociative Disorders", she writes that:

"Dissociation is a protective defense that, in a way, hides oneself from oneself."

In this interview, Joanne Twombly shares her argument for trauma-informed adaptations to standard IFS. Here is some of what we cover:

– "Dissociation is a protective defense that, in a way, hides oneself from oneself."

In this interview, Joanne shares her argument for trauma-informed adaptations to standard IFS. Here is some of what we cover:

– Dissociation, and how to dissociate "better"—which gives choice and control - Use the trance you are in!

– Dissociative parts can show up as numb, deaf, robot, or sex-only parts. As Joanne explains, all of them have a survival purpose, and healing requires compassionate engagement—not suppression

– Hypnotic language as a tool to support engagement, symptom management, and communication with parts

– Orienting parts to the present: essential when parts are stuck in past timelines or multiple subjective realities

- Being even with affects

– How to combine IFS with phase-oriented trauma treatment to create a safe and effective model

– Using containers to hold trauma until it's safe to process

– Creating safe spaces for parts not actively participating in a session

– Safe Space Imagery: stick around as Joanne offers a brief, guided experience - It helps parts manage overwhelming material.

Links:

https://joannetwombly.net/

The book we speak about: https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Dissociation-Informed-Internal-Systems/dp/B0BRXZWP5C

Video version of this interview: https://youtu.be/wcRevOxFZRM

Mannah:

https://www.therapeuticastrologer.com/