For Canadian clinicians navigating the complexities of chronic trauma, The Haunted Self offers an indispensable framework grounded in interpersonal neurobiology. This comprehensive volume by Onno van der Hart, Ellert R. S. Nijenhuis, and Kathy Steele provides a phase-oriented approach to treatment that has revolutionized trauma therapy worldwide, from Toronto to Vancouver.

Who Benefits from This Book?

This book is essential for mental health professionals across Canada—including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counsellors—who work with trauma survivors. It is also a valuable resource for graduate students in clinical psychology, psychiatry, and counselling programs. Researchers focused on dissociation, trauma, and interpersonal neurobiology will find it a foundational text. While the content is advanced, clinicians with some background in trauma treatment will gain the most. The structural dissociation model is particularly relevant for treating complex cases such as dissociative identity disorder.

A Groundbreaking Model

What distinguishes The Haunted Self from other trauma texts is its unwavering focus on the structural dissociation model. Rather than a collection of techniques, it offers a coherent theoretical foundation that explains the full range of dissociative symptoms. The theory posits that overwhelming trauma can fragment the personality into distinct parts, each with its own sense of self and function. The authors detail how these parts develop and how therapy can facilitate integration. This book is both a theoretical exposition and a practical guide, rich with clinical insights. It has been praised for its depth and clarity, influencing how trauma is conceptualized and treated.

Meet the Authors

Onno van der Hart, Ph.D., is a renowned clinical psychologist and researcher in trauma and dissociation. Ellert R. S. Nijenhuis, Ph.D., has contributed extensively to the understanding of dissociative phenomena and their neurobiological underpinnings. Kathy Steele is a clinical social worker with decades of experience treating chronic trauma and dissociation. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and practice to this work, making it a trusted resource for professionals across Canada.

What You'll Find Inside

The Haunted Self stands out for its integrative approach, combining decades of clinical experience with rigorous scholarly research. It offers a clear, systematic model that clinicians can apply in their work with highly traumatized clients. The book is structured to guide the reader from theory to practice, covering assessment, treatment phases, and the therapeutic relationship. Key features include a detailed exploration of structural dissociation, case examples illustrating complex concepts, and a focus on phase-oriented treatment: stabilization, treatment of traumatic memories, and integration. This framework has been widely adopted and remains influential. As a hardcover volume, it is built to last through repeated reference. Its inclusion in the Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology ensures the content is at the forefront of interdisciplinary knowledge, integrating attachment theory, neuroscience, and trauma research.

Disclaimer: This book is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.