The use of ego-state therapy in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder

Ego-state therapy has been cited in the literature as a promising tool for the treatment of patients who suffer from the effects of past trauma experiences. In this paper, I review various methods to activate ego states and to uncover traumatic experiences and their related internal conflicts in sexually abused patients with posttraumatic symptoms. I also discuss ego-state-therapy techniques that promote the integration and resolution of trauma. Three clinical case examples illustrate the use of ego-state therapy with posttraumatic patients. I suggest ways in which ego-state-therapy methods can be useful with some of the symptomatology specific to this population. The effectiveness of ego-state therapy is also explored in dealing with certain features of posttraumatic conditions that can complicate treatment, including dissociation and fragmentation, cognitive and perceptual distortion, and rigidification of personality and behavior.