What is the Structural Dissociation Model and how can it help me?
The Structural Dissociation Model is a trauma-focused approach that helps people understand how overwhelming or traumatic experiences can cause the mind to "split" into different parts, each with its own emotions, memories, and roles. For example, one part might manage daily life, while another holds pain or fear from the past. This model is especially helpful for people who feel emotionally disconnected, experience inner conflict, or struggle with complex trauma, dissociation, or parts of themselves that feel "stuck" in the past.

What does a session look like?
In sessions using this model, your therapist will help you gently notice and understand the different “parts” of your inner experience. This might include:

• Identifying when certain parts show up (like an anxious part, a shutdown part, or a part that feels like a child).

• Exploring how these parts are trying to protect you—even if their strategies no longer work well.

• Learning to connect with these parts using curiosity and compassion, rather than fear or shame.

  The work is done slowly and safely, without forcing painful memories to come up too fast.

How does it help?

• You begin to understand why you might feel like “two different people” or react in ways you don’t fully understand.

• You learn to regulate your emotions by building communication between your parts.

• Over time, parts that carry trauma or distress can begin to feel seen, supported, and less isolated.

• This brings a greater sense of wholeness, inner calm, and self-compassion.

The Structural Dissociation Model helps you understand and heal the inner divisions created by trauma. By working with your internal parts in a safe and respectful way, you can reduce emotional chaos, reconnect with yourself, and move toward feeling more whole and steady in your life.