Trauma-informed stabilization treatment, or TIST, is a method of treating trauma that was developed for those who exhibited severe self-destructive behaviors and have not responded to other forms of therapy. TIST was originally developed for seriously affected trauma victims aged 18 to 25 who were not only self-destructive, but many were chronically suicidal as well.
All of these trauma victims had several things in common, including:
• Trauma histories dating back to early childhood.
• Self-injurious behaviors.
• Suicidal thoughts and tendencies.
• Substance abuse disorders.
• Eating disorders.
• Feelings of aggression toward other people.
• Significant hospital stays ranging from six months to ten years.
What Makes Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment Different?
The key difference that sets TIST apart from other forms of trauma therapy is that it addresses all parts of a trauma victim’s self-destructive behavior at the same time. This is possible because each unsafe action is identified, externalized, and assigned to its corresponding Part. In her book, Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors by Janina Fisher, the author provides an excellent example of this method.
TIST benefits trauma victims who state they are suicidal because the goal is to determine which Part is suicidal. Then, curiosity leads the way with questions like, how did the Part become triggered? and what drives the feeling of suicidality?
Once these questions are answered, it becomes easier for the trauma victim to identify what exactly is happening internally. For instance, it is possible that a childlike Part is feeling sad and a fight Part is trying to heal that feeling through threats of suicide.
Identifying the Self
Most trauma victims, unless they have worked with an Internal Family Systems therapist, do not understand the concept of their Normal Life Self vs. their Parts. One of the most important reasons TIST is such a viable option for trauma therapy is the fact that it immediately creates a separation between the Self and the Parts for the trauma victim. From there, it is possible to learn how to identify with the Self and form a curiosity toward the Parts.
Few people are motivated by criticism, and when a person’s feelings are blocked or suppressed, anger or depression often results. And yet, many individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts, self-injury, and self-destructive behaviors are expected to respond positively to that method.
It should come as no surprise that many trauma victims fail to improve because the Parts need to be reached and understood, not alienated. TIST separates each Part’s intentions from its actions and asks questions like:
• What goal are you trying to accomplish?
• How are you working to protect this person?
• Why do you feel so concerned?
Learn More About Trauma Therapy That Works
So many trauma victims are battling Parts they do not even know exist inside of them. For these individuals, recovery may seem impossible. However, a personalized approach to trauma therapy has been shown to be effective through the IFS model.
If you are a trauma victim and you want to begin your healing process, now is the time to contact me for an appointment.
