Identity-Oriented Psychotrauma Theory (IoPT) is one of the most profound and innovative trauma-informed approaches developed in recent decades. It was created by Prof. Dr. Franz Ruppert and is grounded in contemporary trauma theory and attachment research.

At its core, IoPT recognises that traumatic experiences do not only affect our emotions or behaviour — they shape the very structure of our identity. Trauma influences how we experience ourselves, how we relate to others, and how safe it feels to be fully alive and present in the world.

This approach focuses on trauma biography, on how early experiences — including pre-verbal, prenatal, and birth-related experiences — can fragment the psyche and create unconscious survival patterns that continue into adult life. Many recurring difficulties such as identity confusion, deep fears, chronic relationship struggles, or excessive adaptation to others have their roots in these early moments.

From an IoPT perspective, trauma lives not as a memory, but as a reaction. A part of us may still respond from the age at which the original experience occurred — even if we are now adults. Often, this is a child part that once depended entirely on attachment figures for love and survival, and still fears losing connection.

Trauma, Survival & the Healthy Self

According to IoPT, when trauma occurs, the psyche fragments into different parts:

• a traumatised part, which holds the overwhelming experience

• survival parts, which develop to protect us and help us function, often through control, adaptation, avoidance, or over-responsibility

• and always, regardless of the trauma, a Healthy Self, which carries clarity, presence, boundaries, and the capacity for authentic relationship

Survival strategies were once necessary and protective. However, when they continue unconsciously into adult life, they can become restrictive or destructive — especially in our relationships, where they may appear as control, manipulation, emotional withdrawal, or aggression.

Authentic relationship becomes possible not by controlling others, but by feeling safe within ourselves. Only from inner safety can we create real safety and intimacy with others.

What is a Self Encounter?

A Self Encounter is a trauma-informed exploratory process, which can take place in a group or individual setting. It offers a way to meet one’s inner world with clarity, respect, and compassion.

The method is based on the intention method and the phenomenon of resonance. A participant formulates a clear intention — a simple sentence expressing a conscious wish to explore an inner question, for example:
“I want to feel safe.”
“Why does the same pattern repeat in my relationships?”

Representatives are then chosen to stand for elements of this intention. Through resonance, they begin to sense and express inner dynamics that normally remain unconscious. This allows the participant to see, feel, and understand their inner structure in a direct and embodied way.

The intention method does not aim to force change. Instead, it opens a space of availability:
“I am willing to meet what lives within me.”

This respectful attitude supports integration at a pace that honours personal capacity for self-regulation and containment.

How this is used in the retreat

Within this retreat, Self Encounters are offered as an optional, exploratory practice — not as therapy. They are held with clear framing, choice, and care.

There is no analysis, advice, or interpretation imposed. What matters is presence, resonance, and authentic contact — with oneself and with others. This creates a relational field in which fragmented parts can gradually reconnect, and the Healthy Self can become more available.

In the context of this Love retreat, IoPT Self Encounters support the exploration of:

• unconscious relational dynamics

• survival strategies around conflict, power, and attachment

• the movement from trauma-driven reactions to conscious choice

• a deeper, safer connection to self — as the foundation for authentic love