The trinity of trauma: ignorance, fragility, and control

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Enactive trauma therapy is based on enactivism, which posits that traumatized individuals are (1) embrained, embodied, and environmentally embedded; (2) constitute biopsychological organism-environment systems focused on preserving their existence; and (3) are primarily affective, striving to make sense of their experiences. These individuals express a phenomenal self, world, and self-of-the-world through actions that are self- and world-oriented. Their actions are not driven by knowledge but are informed by sensorimotor, affect-laden, and goal-oriented interactions with their environment. When faced with interpersonal trauma from significant others, individuals often become entangled in unresolved affective and relational conflicts. This leads to a trauma-related dissociation of personality, a coping mechanism that allows them to survive despite their limited capacity to integrate traumatic experiences. What begins as a brave attempt to navigate trauma can evolve into a significant issue. Enactive trauma therapy involves a collaborative relationship between the patient and therapist, fostering new meaning and appropriate actions. This interaction is akin to dance, requiring pacing, mutual attunement, good timing, sensitivity to balance, movement, rhythm, courage, and the willingness to both follow and lead.