Fragmentation of the sense of self maintains children’s attachment to abusive caregivers by disowning themselves as “bad” or “unlovable.”   This deeply painful failure of self-acceptance results in lifelong shame and self-loathing, difficulty self-soothing, and chronic dissociative symptoms and disorders.  Without internal compassion, it is difficult to take in the compassion and acceptance of others, complicating relationships. 

Abstract

Stage Two therapy consists of working through and processing trauma while maintaining stability in life and in the therapeutic relationship. The power of the trauma frequently destabilizes both the client and the therapist, leading to reenactments and experiences of being stuck.