The theory on which it is based, the self-trauma model, incorporates aspects of trauma theory, self psychology, cognitive therapy, and behavioral therapy within a developmental perspective. The implications of this model are presented in terms of the specific process, content, and goals of abuse-relevant psychotherapy. The self-trauma model suggests that post-abuse symptomatology generally reflects the survivor's adaptive attempts to maintain internal stability in the face of potentially overwhelming abuse-related pain. It further suggests that many of these symptoms are inborn self-healing procedures that fail only when overwhelming stress or inadequate internal resources motivate the hyperdevelopment of avoidance responses. It should be noted, however, that the long-term psychological effects of severe childhood abuse are often complex and frequently include difficulties beyond the trauma and self-disturbance addressed in this chapter. Notes, references