Key Features and Structure of This Workbook

This workbook is built around progressive sections that gradually build on each other. Early chapters focus on psychoeducation and stabilization to help readers understand their experiences and establish a sense of safety. Later sections cover advanced skills such as affect regulation, cognitive restructuring, and integrating dissociated parts of the self. Each chapter includes clear learning objectives, step-by-step exercises with space for reflection, and practice assignments to reinforce learning between sessions. Therapists will find guidance on how to introduce and discuss each topic. The paperback edition is substantial—over 400 pages of carefully scaffolded content, with dimensions of 8 x 10 inches for ample writing space and a durable design for long-term use.

Who Can Benefit from This Resource?

This workbook is designed for individuals experiencing trauma-related dissociation, including dissociative identity disorder (DID) and other dissociative conditions. It is also an essential tool for therapists, counsellors, and mental health professionals working with this population. Many clinicians have found it invaluable for clients who feel stuck in therapy, as it provides a concrete pathway forward. The exercises can be adapted for individual or group settings, and the collaborative approach strengthens the therapeutic alliance. Readers with co-occurring challenges, such as addiction, have reported that the workbook enhances self-awareness and supports broader recovery efforts.

How to Use This Book Effectively

For best results, work through the chapters sequentially at a pace that feels manageable. The authors emphasize the importance of stability before moving into more intense material. Patients may benefit from reading each chapter with their therapist, discussing the exercises and processing any reactions. Therapists can integrate the workbook into existing treatment plans as a structured curriculum. The included handouts and worksheets are especially helpful for reinforcing learning between sessions. One experienced reader noted that the book is worth the investment for its depth and lasting impact on daily coping skills.

What Makes This Workbook Unique?

Unlike many books that focus solely on theory, this workbook is built around actionable exercises. Created by Suzette Boon, Kathy Steele, and Onno van der Hart—clinicians with decades of experience treating trauma-related dissociation—the exercises are grounded in the latest research on interpersonal neurobiology and designed for collaborative use between patient and therapist. The material is accessible yet sophisticated, suitable for those new to their diagnosis as well as experienced therapy participants. Many readers have felt deeply understood from the very first chapter, finding the workbook to be a transformative tool in their recovery journey.

Understanding the Role of Skills Training in Trauma Recovery

Recovery from trauma-related dissociation often requires more than insight—it demands practical, day-to-day skills. This workbook offers a structured approach to building those skills, designed for use both in therapy and independently. It bridges the gap between understanding dissociative experiences and developing effective coping strategies. Readers have described it as a milestone in their recovery journey, noting that it provides clear, compassionate guidance that is often hard to find.

Important Considerations

This workbook is a complementary resource and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. It is most effective when used under the guidance of a qualified therapist, particularly for individuals with complex trauma histories. The content may evoke strong emotions, and readers are encouraged to proceed with self-care and support. Results vary, and exercises should be adapted to each individual's needs and readiness. The authors emphasize that healing is a gradual process, and this workbook is designed to support that journey—not to rush it.