Doris D'Hooghe

Doris D'Hooghe, a seasoned Psychotraumatologist, Integrative Child therapist, and EMDR Practitioner, brings a wealth of experience to her practice. She completed several courses, including Gestalt Therapy, Group Therapy, Transpersonal Psychology, Integrative Child Therapy, Psychotraumatology, and EMDR. Her journey began as a psychiatric nurse, and she has since accumulated over 40 years of experience as a psychotherapist and child therapist. She is the founder of Trauma Center Belgium (www.traumacentrum.be) and has worked since 1990 in private practice, where she offers therapy for complex trauma in children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. Her main area of interest lies in the intricate repercussions of trauma experienced during early childhood and prenatal stages and the creation of treatment models. Her pioneering work, including the introduction of the concept of 'Unseen Attachment Trauma,' has been published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Behavior and on LinkedIn. She has also contributed to the book "The Neuroeducation Toolbox: Practical Translation of Neuroscience in Counseling and Psychotherapy," co-authored a self-help book for children with PTSD, and is working on a second book on dissociation in children. She is co-authoring a book for Routledge with her colleague, Layla Brack. The foundation of her work lies in the seamless integration of different distinct yet interconnected fields: Psychology, Neuroscience, Sociology, and Spirituality. She has an unwavering belief in the power of the authentic self and the innate healing capacity of every individual. She has been a much-approved teacher and speaker nationally and internationally for the last twelve years. She has been a member of the ISSTD since 2012 and is part of the C&A Committee and ISSTD Child Dissociative Guidelines. She was also part of the C&A Course Development Working Group until November 2023. She has been giving presentations at the ISSTD conferences since 2014.

Layla M. Brack, MA

From the beginning of her psychology training, Layla's dedication to specializing in trauma was clear. After earning her bachelor's degree, she completed a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ghent in 2016. Shortly after, she began her private practice at Traumacentre Belgium under the mentorship of Doris D’Hooghe. Layla has continuously expanded her expertise through numerous online courses on trauma therapy, learning from renowned experts like Pat Ogden, Peter Levine, Mary Jo Barrett, Janina Fisher, and Bessel van der Kolk. She believes that effective trauma therapy requires a multiperspective approach, integrating developmental theories, neurobiology, and attachment theories. Layla actively raises awareness and educates others about trauma and its treatment alongside her colleague. She has presented in various workshops and presentations on trauma and its consequences, contributing to new insights and theories through her clinical experience and research. Her focus is on treating complex trauma, developmental trauma, and severe trauma-related and dissociative disorders. In 2020, she published an article titled “Invisible Attachment Trauma by Doris D’Hooghe,” exploring the hidden aspects of attachment trauma. She also presented on complex trauma and dissociation workshops at the Infinite Mind Congress in Orlando in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, Layla has been a member of the ISSTD, presenting a workshop at their 2023 conference in Louisville, where she introduced innovative approaches and tools for trauma treatment. Currently, Layla and her colleague Doris are writing a book on unseen trauma, infanticidal and intergenerational trauma, and dissociation. Scheduled for publication in January 2026, this book will serve as a comprehensive guide for therapists. Layla aims to connect with others to broaden their collective knowledge and inspire one another, believing in a shared mission to advance trauma care for the benefit of individuals and communities.