Inside the Toolbox: Post Induction Therapy (PIT)

Some wounds begin early - before we had words, before we had context - shaping how we see ourselves, how we relate to others, and what we believe we're allowed to need. Post Induction Therapy (PIT) is a powerful model for healing those deep, formative wounds that come from childhood trauma, enmeshment, neglect, and codependency.

In this post, I'll explain what PIT is, how it works, who it helps, and why it's one of the most impactful therapies I use to help clients reconnect with their true selves.

What is Post Induction Therapy?

Post Induction Therapy is a trauma model created by Pia Mellody, a pioneer in the treatment of childhood trauma codependence, and relational dysfunction. The word "induction" refers to the idea that childhood experiences, especially repeated emotional wounding, can induce patterns of behavior, beliefs, and self-protection that carry into adulthood.

PIT focuses on healing five core symptoms of developmental trauma:

• Self-esteem issues (feeling less than or better than others)

• Boundary challenges (being too vulnerable or invulnerable)

• Reality distortion (splitting into good/perfect or bad/rebellious)

• Dependency issues (too dependent, anti-dependent, or needless/wantless)

• Moderation struggles (out of control or controlling behaviors)

Rather than simply managing these symptoms, PIT aims to heal the root causes - often by reworking the client's relationship with their inner child and identifying the origins of dysfunctional family systems.

How Does PIT Work?

Post Induction Therapy unfolds in stages. In therapy, we begin by:

1. Identifying current patterns that are causing distress or dysfunction

2. Connecting those patterns to childhood experiences and belief systems

3. Exploring the "inner child" and unmet emotional needs

4. Reprocessing emotional pain through guided trauma resolution techniques (such as inner child work, experiential exercises, and psychodrama)

5. Reclaiming boundaries, esteem, and moderation through practical tools and self-parenting

PIT often involves experiential exercises that allow clients to externalize beliefs, interact with wounded parts, and access grief, anger, or unmet needs that were previously buried. Many clients find this work to be emotional, empowering, and life-changing.

Who Can Benefit from Post Induction Therapy?

I use PIT with clients who may not always identify their past as "traumatic" but feel stuck in persistent emotional or relational patterns. This approach is ideal for those who:

• Struggle with self-worth, people pleasing, or perfectionism

• Experience codependent tendencies or unhealthy relationships

• Feel stuck in cycles of anger, shame, or emotional shutdown

• Have attachment wounds from childhood

• Are working through complex PTSD or family enmeshment

• Feel emotionally "frozen" or disconnected from their needs

If you've done a lot of "talk therapy" but still carry core beliefs like "I'm not good enough," "I'm too much," or "I have to earn love," PIT can help shift those from the inside out.

What to Expect in PIT Sessions

PIT sessions are often more structured and experiential than traditional talk therapy.

We may use:

• Family of origin mapping and trauma timelines

• Guided inner child work

• Role plays and re-enactments

• Shame reduction work

• Boundary and esteem-building exercises

• Grief processing and self-parenting rituals

You'll never be pushed to go further than you're ready for. Sessions are collaborative and paced with care, especially when working with early trauma or emotional vulnerability.

PIT also integrates well with EMDR, IFS, and somatic work - supporting healing from multiple directions.

Why I Use PIT in My Practice

So many of my clients are highly self-aware - they've read the books, been to therapy, and still feel stuck in painful dynamics. PIT bridges the gap between knowing and healing. It gives us a map for going inward with compassion, structure, and accountability.

PIT honors the complexity of childhood trauma and invites deep repair. It's especially powerful for clients recovering from family systems that were chaotic, neglectful, emotionally immature, or over-controlling. The work is tender and raw - but also freeing.

I love using PIT because it helps people not just cope, but reclaim who they were always meant to be.

Moving Forward with PIT

If you feel disconnected from yourself or trapped in cycles that started long ago, Post Induction Therapy can offer a clear, compassionate path forward. You deserve to have healthy boundaries, authentic self-esteem, and meaningful relationships - and healing is possible. To lean more about how I use PIT in therapy visit my services page or reach out through my contact page to schedule a consultation.

Stay tuned for the next post in this series where I take a deep dive into Internal Family Systems!