Live online public masterclass by Ellert Nijenhuis

Many of us adhere to a phase-oriented approach. We do not necessarily apply ‘symptom reduction and stabilisation’, ‘treatment of traumatic memories’ and ‘rehabilitation’ in a row. We may revisit them if needed, thus build a spiral of growing power to act. Conceiving of therapy as phasic is helpful. But let’s not forget three basic ongoing questions: What is the patient already up to? What is still out of her reach? What next step can she take?

Like every progression, therapy moves from step to step indeed. Learning to walk precedes learning to run. We thus wonder, (1) what actions are required to overcome traumatisation and in what order, (2) what is the patient’s current power to act, and (3) how can we raise this power in a stepwise manner.   

In this frame, we and our patients — including all dissociative agents they may include -- co-enact ongoing democracy and transparency. We permanently explore what we long to achieve together. We consider our individual and conjoint power to act relative to these aims. We examine if and how our longings match and can be fulfilled. We strive to engage in mutually doable, rewarding actions, some of which may be new to us. We enjoy and grow by our smaller and larger successes. We regret and correct our smaller and larger failures.   

This seminar is for clinicians who wish to become acquainted with a step-wise enactive approach to trauma healing.

Date: 22 October 2026

Time: 8pm Berlin/Amsterdam/Brussels time (GMT+1)
Indication of time in different time zones, but please do check yourself especially given the change from summer winter time: 2pm EST, 12pm PST, 7pm GMT

Cannot attend live?
Ticket holders have the opportunity to watch the recording for one week after receiving the video recording link.

For whom:

• Psychotherapists, psychiatrists, and other therapy practitioners
  Including clinicians working with complex trauma and dissociative disorders.

• Educational and psychosocial professionals
  Who support children, adolescents, or adults with complex trauma histories.

• Medical, psychology, and healthcare students
  With an interest in trauma, dissociation, and clinical practice.