Navigating Dissociation: Tools for Safe Trauma Healing with Joanne H. Twombly

In this deeply grounding episode, Vlada de Sousa speaks with Joanne H. Twombly, MSW — pioneering trauma therapist, teacher, and author of Trauma and Dissociation Informed Internal Family Systems. With decades of experience working with complex PTSD, dissociative disorders, and trauma-informed therapy, Joanne brings clarity and compassion to one of the most misunderstood topics in mental health: dissociation. Together, we explore how to navigate dissociation safely, seeing it not as pathology but as the psyche’s intelligent survival strategy. Joanne shares practical, trauma-informed tools and techniques that help both clients and therapists build safety, regulate the nervous system, and support healing without overwhelm. You’ll learn: What dissociation truly is (and what it’s not) Why “dissociating well” can actually support healing How to recognize subtle signs of dissociation in yourself or clients The importance of stabilization, safety, and coping tools before trauma processing How to integrate IFS therapy and trauma treatment safely The neurological and emotional roots of trauma responses This episode is for therapists, healers, and trauma survivors who want to understand dissociation through a compassionate, embodied, and clinically informed lens. It offers both insight and practical guidance to help you create safety, stability, and space for deep healing to unfold. Continue Your Inner Work If this practice opened something within you, there are deeper layers waiting to be explored. Private Sessions with Vlada: https://vladadesousa.com/1-1-holistic... Healing Retreats: Join transformational group experiences and private intensives in Bali: ⁠ https://blissbodyjourneys.com/ Deepen Your Practice: Explore additional resources and tools for your healing journey: ⁠https://vladadesousa.com/ Your healing matters. Your process is sacred. #TraumaHealing #Dissociation #IFS #InternalFamilySystems #ComplexPTSD #TraumaTherapy #HealingJourney #PartsWork #TherapistPodcast #SomaticHealing #NervousSystemRegulation #CPTSD #Psychotherapy #TraumaRecovery #JoanneTwombly #YourSoulsTherapist #VladaDeSousa Chapters 00:00 Understanding Dissociation and Its Importance 10:00 The Role of Dissociation in Healing 16:47 Childhood Trauma and Its Impact on Dissociation 23:52 Navigating the Spectrum of Dissociation 33:15 ADHD and Trauma: Unpacking the Connection 39:20 Practical Skills for Managing Dissociation 44:33 Integrating Hypnosis and Safe Spaces in Therapy 47:35 The Importance of Safe Space Imagery 50:27 Addressing Intrusive Thoughts in Trauma Therapy 53:13 Understanding Traumatic Material and Its Impact 56:28 Working with Dissociative Parts and Their Needs 01:00:47 The Role of Trust and Coping Skills in Therapy 01:05:07 Negotiating with Parts for Better Functioning 01:08:49 Survival Tools for Living with Trauma 01:14:27 Empowering Clients in Their Healing Journey 01:15:56 Recognizing Progress in Therapy 01:20:21 Vlada DS Podcast 01 OUTRO.mp3