About TS-12 Anon
Why TS-12 Was Written
TS-12 was created with profound gratitude and respect for those who came before us—the pioneers, professionals, and individuals who shaped the path to healing as we know it today. Additionally, the original architects of the 12-Steps have provided an invaluable service.
As our understanding of trauma and its effects has evolved, we now recognize that healing from another’s painful and/ or destructive behaviors can be approached in ways that are more trauma-sensitive and compassionate. TS-12 adopts new language, tools, and perspectives to support individuals more effectively, while also reducing the risk of secondary trauma that can sometimes arise from outdated models. We now know more about how destructive behaviors—such as abuse, addiction, adultery, and abandonment—affect us. Traditional models often label affected individuals as “co-dependent” or “co-addicted,” unintentionally implying an inherent flaw, rather than acknowledging that these experiences happened to them, not because of them. TS-12 embraces a prodependent, trauma-sensitive approach that respects the inherent worth of each person and recognizes the need for connection, resilience, and understanding on the path to healing.
Brief Backstory of Jeni B
While working Step 1 in another 12-Step program for healing from sexual betrayal, Jeni B. realized the existing language and format lacked the trauma-awareness she needed for her own recovery. Feeling spiritually prompted, she began rewriting Step 1 as a personal tool for healing and a way to make amends to herself. Later, she felt inspired to continue crafting the steps from a trauma-sensitive perspective and to share this updated model with others who might benefit. This book was primarily crafted during a period of profound hardship, marked by post-separation abuse and homelessness. This work became a source of purpose and meaning for her. It transformed her pain into a mission, allowing her to channel her experiences into creating a resource for those seeking a more compassionate approach to healing. Guided by faith and a desire to help herself and others, Jeni found a way to turn her struggles into a foundation for hope and renewal.
TS-12: Prodependent, Trauma Aware 12-Steps
In adopting a prodependent, trauma-sensitive model, TS-12 aims to offer materials that support individuals in ways that affirm their experiences and honor their inherent worth. We hope to foster a compassionate path where survivors of painful and/ or destructive behaviors find hope, connection, and a pathway to healing.
TS-12 was created with profound gratitude and respect for those who came before us—the pioneers, professionals, and individuals who shaped the path to healing as we know it today. Additionally, the original architects of the 12-Steps have provided an invaluable service.
As our understanding of trauma and its effects has evolved, we now recognize that healing from another’s painful and/ or destructive behaviors can be approached in ways that are more trauma-sensitive and compassionate. TS-12 adopts new language, tools, and perspectives to support individuals more effectively, while also reducing the risk of secondary trauma that can sometimes arise from outdated models. We now know more about how destructive behaviors—such as abuse, addiction, adultery, and abandonment—affect us. Traditional models often label affected individuals as “co-dependent” or “co-addicted,” unintentionally implying an inherent flaw, rather than acknowledging that these experiences happened to them, not because of them. TS-12 embraces a prodependent, trauma-sensitive approach that respects the inherent worth of each person and recognizes the need for connection, resilience, and understanding on the path to healing.
Brief Backstory of Jeni B
While working Step 1 in another 12-Step program for healing from sexual betrayal, Jeni B. realized the existing language and format lacked the trauma-awareness she needed for her own recovery. Feeling spiritually prompted, she began rewriting Step 1 as a personal tool for healing and a way to make amends to herself. Later, she felt inspired to continue crafting the steps from a trauma-sensitive perspective and to share this updated model with others who might benefit. This book was primarily crafted during a period of profound hardship, marked by post-separation abuse and homelessness. This work became a source of purpose and meaning for her. It transformed her pain into a mission, allowing her to channel her experiences into creating a resource for those seeking a more compassionate approach to healing. Guided by faith and a desire to help herself and others, Jeni found a way to turn her struggles into a foundation for hope and renewal.
TS-12: Prodependent, Trauma Aware 12-Steps
In adopting a prodependent, trauma-sensitive model, TS-12 aims to offer materials that support individuals in ways that affirm their experiences and honor their inherent worth. We hope to foster a compassionate path where survivors of painful and/ or destructive behaviors find hope, connection, and a pathway to healing.
- Prodependence honors the natural human desire for connection, recognizing it as a healthy, reasonable need rather than a sign of pathology or deficiency. This approach validates the importance of relationships and the normal pain associated with a loved one behaving in destructive or painful ways. Prodependence respects each individual’s healing journey and does not blame those who have been victimized.
- Trauma Awareness in TS-12 means acknowledging the profound impact of what each person has experienced and honoring where people are along their own healing journey. We view affected individuals as survivors of circumstances, not as people to be blamed. At the same time, we honor the empowerment that comes from focusing on what is within one’s control, recognizing each person’s ability to work towards creating safety, self-compassion, and self-awareness as we pursue healing in our lives.TS-12 encourages individuals to become aware of approximately what stage of healing they are in as they reference a trauma model and to work the steps accordingly, which awareness is critical when working steps 4-9. The three stages of healing in a recognized trauma model include:
- Safety and Stabilization: Creating a foundation of safety and emotional stability.
- Grief and Mourning: Acknowledging and processing the pain and losses that may have occurred, while honoring complex emotions such as anger, self blame, or regret.
- Integration and Growth: Rebuilding and reintegrating into life with greater self-compassion, healing, and peace.
TS-12 Is Not Appropriate for Everyone
While TS-12 offers a compassionate framework for healing, it may not be suitable or effective for everyone and is not a replacement for professional trauma therapy.
Individuals who have perpetrated abuse or harm, experience significant mental health struggles and/ or personality disorders, particularly those unwilling to take accountability, might misuse the program’s trauma-sensitive language to avoid responsibility or manipulate others. The results could be to weaponize its concepts against those they have harmed.
The program assumes a certain level of emotional readiness and stability that not everyone may possess at the time. While it is impossible to list every category of individuals for whom TS-12 may not be appropriate, the program is most effective for those ready to approach healing with honesty, humility, and a willingness to grow. For others, alternative resources or professional interventions may provide a better option and/ or help to develop a stronger foundation before engaging with TS-12.
What About Step 4?
The traditional Step 4 inventory often emphasizes identifying moral shortcomings or character defects, which can inadvertently deepen feelings of guilt or shame for those who have been affected by another's painful and/ or destructive behaviors. In contrast, TS-12 Step 4 incorporates a critical trauma model, which allows participants to create or select inventories that would be most helpful for their healing, while recognizing that past trauma plays a significant role in shaping behaviors and emotional patterns. TS-12 inventories help individuals understand the roots of why they are struggling and aim to help individuals hold themselves with compassion, while recognizing which behaviors no longer serve them. This approach helps individuals to make necessary changes while minimizing adverse affects such as secondary trauma.
While TS-12 offers a compassionate framework for healing, it may not be suitable or effective for everyone and is not a replacement for professional trauma therapy.
Individuals who have perpetrated abuse or harm, experience significant mental health struggles and/ or personality disorders, particularly those unwilling to take accountability, might misuse the program’s trauma-sensitive language to avoid responsibility or manipulate others. The results could be to weaponize its concepts against those they have harmed.
The program assumes a certain level of emotional readiness and stability that not everyone may possess at the time. While it is impossible to list every category of individuals for whom TS-12 may not be appropriate, the program is most effective for those ready to approach healing with honesty, humility, and a willingness to grow. For others, alternative resources or professional interventions may provide a better option and/ or help to develop a stronger foundation before engaging with TS-12.
What About Step 4?
The traditional Step 4 inventory often emphasizes identifying moral shortcomings or character defects, which can inadvertently deepen feelings of guilt or shame for those who have been affected by another's painful and/ or destructive behaviors. In contrast, TS-12 Step 4 incorporates a critical trauma model, which allows participants to create or select inventories that would be most helpful for their healing, while recognizing that past trauma plays a significant role in shaping behaviors and emotional patterns. TS-12 inventories help individuals understand the roots of why they are struggling and aim to help individuals hold themselves with compassion, while recognizing which behaviors no longer serve them. This approach helps individuals to make necessary changes while minimizing adverse affects such as secondary trauma.
