Biosuggestive Therapy in the Correction of Mental Trauma

Article type: Research Article

Authors:

Dr Tetiana Ivanitska-Diachun

Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine.

Yuliia Kharkhalis

Affiliation: I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine.

Abstract

Biosuggestive Therapy (BST) is an innovative Ukrainian psychotherapeutic method

specifically developed in wartime conditions for the rapid correction of the

consequences of psychological trauma. The approach integrates verbal and non-

verbal suggestion techniques, including the therapist’s modulated voice and either

imagined or gentle real touch, to induce a therapeutic state of relaxation and

perceived safety.

BST is adapted to the specific needs of individuals who have experienced traumatic

events and can be used both individually and in group formats, including online. The

current evidence base for the method is based primarily on expert opinion, clinical

observations, and preliminary studies, as randomised controlled trials have not

been conducted due to the ongoing crisis conditions.

Preliminary findings indicate a prompt reduction in psychosomatic symptoms (such

as anxiety, pain, and sleep disorders) following only a few sessions. However, the

method is still regarded as a conceptual hypothesis that requires further scientific

investigation.

The article deals with the theoretical foundations of BST (including suggestive

therapy, polyvagal theory, somatic approaches, and the neurobiology of trauma),

provides a detailed description of the session methodology, presents available

empirical data and clinical observations, and discusses ethical considerations

related to the application of the method.

In conclusion, the authors emphasise the limitations of the current evidence,

advocate for the ethical use of BST, and invite the international community to

collaborate in further research and development of this promising approach to

trauma treatment.

Keywords: biosuggestive therapy; psychological trauma; suggestion; hypnotherapy; therapeutic touch; polyvagal theory; autonomic nervous system; parasympathetic activation; psychosomatic symptoms; war-related trauma

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ISSN 2635-0807 | Perspectives on Complex Trauma, Volume 6, Issue 1 (2025)