The Internal Family Systems Workbook for CPTSD: An Integrative, Parts-Work Approach to Healing Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Heal the pain of complex trauma, overcome feelings of shame, and find wholeness using an innovative parts-work approach.

If you have complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), you may experience intense emotions, anxiety, painful memories, negative self-image, and trouble building lasting relationships. You may feel like you aren’t in control of your life’s story, or that you’re stuck or unable to heal and move forward. You might even worry that you’ll never feel whole again. You should know that you are not alone, and healing is possible.

Grounded in cutting-edge internal family systems therapy (IFS), this workbook offers an integrative “parts-work” approach to help you cultivate self-compassion, heal the invisible wounds of trauma, develop supportive relationships, and move beyond the negative stories you’ve created about yourself. You’ll also find skills and practices to help you work through painful memories, prioritize your mental health, and feel more connected to yourself and others.

With this gentle guide, you can:

• Gain a better understanding of complex trauma
• Overcome feelings of shame or low self-worth
• Heal the parts of yourself that have been wounded
• Understand your needs and make room for self-care
• Embrace self-acceptance and improve self-esteem

If you’ve experienced repeated trauma in your life―whether from abuse, discrimination, bullying, abandonment, or violence―you should know that there are tools you can use to heal, grow, and move forward. This workbook can help light your path.

Sarah Ann Saeger, LPC, LCADC, LAMFT, is an Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist who specializes in complex trauma, addiction, and relationships. She is trained in IFS and an array of somatic, attachment-informed therapies. Sarah shares psychoeducation and reflections on parts work and the healing journey on her Instagram and Substack platforms. She is dedicated to helping survivors embrace the wisdom of their whole selves, and she supports survivors in her PA-based therapy practice.