A Phase-Oriented Framework for Emotion Regulation in Traumatized Individuals With Dissociation: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Trauma Studies

Background:

• Emotion dysregulation and dissociation are prevalent in individuals with psychological trauma histories.
• These symptoms can impede the effectiveness of trauma treatments.
• Current mental healthcare systems face challenges like provider shortages, limiting access to care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review empirically supported methods for targeting emotion dysregulation within phase-based trauma treatments.
• To explore the application of these methods across various therapeutic modalities and contexts.
• To discuss the implications for increasing access to care for trauma survivors with dissociation.

Main Methods:

• This study is a narrative review of existing scientific literature.
• It focuses on phase-based treatment approaches for trauma and dissociation.
• Empirically supported methods, such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, are examined.

Main Results:

• Phase-based treatments offer flexible and integrable approaches for managing trauma-related symptoms.
• Evidence-based methods effectively target emotion dysregulation within these frameworks.
• These approaches can be adapted for telehealth, group formats, and brief interventions.

Conclusions:

• Phase-based, emotion-regulation-focused treatments are effective for individuals with trauma and dissociation.
• The flexibility of these approaches can improve care accessibility and mitigate system limitations.
• Potential limitations, such as delayed trauma processing, warrant consideration.