What Is
TraumA Model Therapy?
Get the targeted and specialized help you need to move past your trauma history, write a new narrative, and thrive in your current life.
More About Trauma Model Therapy (TMT)
CONCENTRATED/TARGETED/ FOR DISSOCIATION
Trauma Model Therapy is a formalized, evidence-based therapeutic modality for the treatment of Dissociative Identity Disorder and high complexity cases with dissociation. It is also ideal for complex trauma.
INTEGRATIVE
EMPOWERING
​Many therapeutic approaches insist that they be used alone or that they are the "right way." Trauma Model Therapy was created to "play well with others" including, EMDR, DBT, and CPT.
From the start, Trauma Model Therapy empowers you. You, as a human, have intrinsic worth. You are responsible for your behavior and your healing, but you are not responsible for childhood trauma.
NOT FOREVER THERAPY
While complex trauma work - especially work with Dissociative Disorders - can take years, TMT shouldn’t be Lifelong Therapy. If it’s Lifelong Therapy then the work has stopped or the interventions aren’t working.
CREATED by
Dr. Colin Ross, MD
Dr. Ross is the founder of The Ross Institute for Psychological Trauma and the creator of Trauma Model Therapy. Dr. Ross has authored 38 books and over 290 professional papers, and has reviewed for numerous professional journals and grant agencies. He is a past President of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation and also a recipient of ISSTD's Lifetime Achievement Award.
Bringing Trauma Model Therapy to You
The Colin A. Ross Institute was formed in 1995 to further the understanding of psychological trauma and its consequences by providing educational services, research, and clinical treatment of trauma-based disorders. Trauma Model Therapy is the go-to modality for any type of Dissociative Disorder or complex trauma with high levels of dissociation. Dr. Ross has been perfecting his model for over 30 years. We are working to make more mental health patients and clients aware of how Trauma Model Therapy can help you in your healing journey.
what to expect over the next year
Website
In 2026, we will be launching TraumaModelTherapy.com where you can engage in community and learn how to help yourself outside of the session.
Directory
In 2026, when we launch TraumaModelTherapy.com, we will have a TMT Therapist directory where you can find a TMT Therapist in your geographical area.
Groups
In 2026, we will have a team of TMT Trained Group Therapists that will host virtual and in-person TMT groups with the TMT group curriculum.
FAQs
What skills Will a TMT therapist Offer to me as I heal from trauma?
TMT Therapists are trained in how to competently screen and diagnose trauma-related disorders and dissociation. They know how trauma impacts all aspects of a person's life, and they take all of that into consideration as they help you engage in your healing process. They are trained in how to pace therapy so you don't get overwhelmed or flooded.
What should I looK for to verify A Therapist is TMT Trained?
We allow therapists who have been formally trained and vetted to refer to themselves as:
TMT Level 1 Trained
TMT Level 2 Trained
TMT Level 3 Trained
TMT Levels 1-3 Trained
TMT Certified Therapist
TMT Consultant
What does it mean ifa therapist is TMT Certified?
It means that the therapist was trained in TMT Levels 1-3 and then underwent 8 hours of TMT-specific consultation in which they sharpened their expertise related to complex trauma or dissociation. And, it also means that your therapist is engaging in TMT-specific education every two years so they stay informed and educated on the latest research related to trauma treatment.
Does my Therapist really need to know TMT?
This is a personal decision that only you can make, and it usually depends on a variety of factors. We encourage you to speak with your therapist about how TMT can best support you in your healing journey. They can explore the possibility of becoming TMT certified.
FAQs
What skills Will a TMT therapist Offer to me as I heal from trauma?
TMT Therapists are trained in how to competently screen and diagnose trauma-related disorders and dissociation. They know how trauma impacts all aspects of a person's life, and they take all of that into consideration as they help you engage in your healing process. They are trained in how to pace therapy so you don't get overwhelmed or flooded.
What should I
looK for to verify A Therapist is TMT Trained?
We allow therapists who have been formally trained and vetted to refer to themselves as:
TMT Level 1 Trained
TMT Level 2 Trained
TMT Level 3 Trained
TMT Levels 1-3 Trained
TMT Certified Therapist
TMT Consultant
What does it mean if
a therapist
is
TMT
Certified?
It means that the therapist was trained in TMT Levels 1-3 and then underwent 8 hours of TMT-specific consultation in which they sharpened their expertise related to complex trauma or dissociation. And, it also means that your therapist is engaging in TMT-specific education every two years so they stay informed and educated on the latest research related to trauma treatment.
Does
my
Therapist really
need to
know TMT?
This is a personal decision that only you can make, and it usually depends on a variety of factors. We encourage you to speak with your therapist about how TMT can best support you in your healing journey. They can explore the possibility of becoming TMT certified.