Doris D'Hooghe is a psychotraumatologist, integrative child therapist, and EMDR practitioner, with over four decades of clinical experience in psychotherapy and child therapy. She began her professional journey as a psychiatric nurse and has since specialized in treating complex trauma across the lifespan, including in children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly.
D'Hooghe founded Trauma Center Belgium (www.traumacenterbelgium.be) and has maintained a private practice since 1990. Her primary clinical and research interests lie in the profound effects of early childhood and prenatal trauma on development, with a particular focus on the formation and treatment of dissociative reactions. She has pursued extensive postgraduate training in Gestalt Therapy, Group Therapy, Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, Transpersonal Psychology, Integrative Child Therapy, Psychotraumatology, and EMDR.
A recognized authority in the field of early childhood trauma and attachment, D'Hooghe introduced the concept of "Unseen Attachment Trauma," published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Behavior and on LinkedIn. Further elaborations on this groundbreaking concept can be found in her articles, "Seeing the Unseen: Early Attachment Trauma and Its Impact on Child Development" and "Invisible Attachment Trauma." She has contributed to The Neuroeducation Toolbox: Practical Translation of Neuroscience in Counseling and Psychotherapy, and co-authored the self-help book for children with PTSD, Oscar’s Adventures (Garant), alongside Frauke Heyde. She is currently authoring an illustrated book on dissociation to raise public awareness and provide practical tools for recognizing dissociative reactions.
In recent years, D'Hooghe has concentrated on redefining dissociation as a developmental process rooted in early attachment trauma. She co-developed the 'Developmental Model of Dissociation' (DMD) with colleague Layla Brack. They are co-authoring an upcoming book for Routledge that examines prenatal attachment development, attachment trauma, and the formation of dissociative reactions, while presenting a structured therapeutic model for intervention.
D'Hooghe’s work is founded on an interdisciplinary approach, seamlessly integrating psychology, neuroscience, sociology, and spirituality. Drawing from these fields, she combines contemporary scientific research with ancient wisdom to create a holistic therapeutic model. Central to her philosophy is a deep belief in every individual's authenticity and innate healing capacity. She adopts a client-centered approach, tailoring interventions to each person's unique needs and experiences and empowering clients to access their internal resources and foster sustainable growth beyond therapy.
In addition to her clinical practice, D'Hooghe has been a highly regarded educator and speaker, both nationally and internationally, over the past decade. An overview of her trainings, workshops, and publications can be found via LinkedIn and at www.traumacenterbelgium.be.
