Trauma-Informed Stabilization Therapy (TIST)

A therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Janina Fisher to help people who have experienced trauma build safety, stability, and emotional regulation before moving into deeper trauma processing or therapy. It combines some concepts from approaches like Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindfulness, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. The core idea is that trauma, especially complex or prolonged trauma, can leave someone feeling overwhelmed, unsafe, or emotionally dysregulated. Immediate recall or processing of traumatic memories without a stable foundation can worsen symptoms.

Trauma-informed stabilization therapy focuses on:

• Creating a sense of safety in the therapeutic environment and daily life.
• Teaching emotional regulation skills, such as managing anxiety, flashbacks, or intense emotions.
• Developing grounding techniques to stay connected to the present moment.
• Improving self-awareness and coping strategies.
• Empowering a sense of control and strength over your body and emotions.

This phase often includes psychoeducation about the effects of trauma, mindfulness, breathing exercises, and developing healthy habits. It is based on trauma research. Usually, only after the client is sufficiently stabilized do therapists move into trauma processing therapies like EMDR.