Linguistic Dual-Focus Trauma Integration (LDTI): A Conceptual Framework for Parallel Linguistic–Emotional Processing

Trauma-related disorders are characterized by intrusive memories, affect dysregulation, and impaired verbal integration of emotional experience. Although trauma-focused psychotherapies demonstrate clinical effectiveness, the mechanisms coordinating linguistic–cognitive control with emotional–imaginal activation during trauma recall remain incompletely specified. Linguistic Dual-Focus Trauma Integration (LDTI) is introduced as a conceptual, hypothesis-generating framework proposing the parallel engagement of automated linguistic processing and controlled trauma-related imagery. LDTI integrates principles from dual-representation models of traumatic memory, working-memory interference theory, and neurobiological accounts of prefrontal–limbic dysregulation. The framework isolates automated linguistic working-memory load as a modality-specific regulatory mechanism during controlled trauma imagery activation. Unlike narrative reconstruction, cognitive restructuring, or present-oriented grounding statements, the linguistic component is intentionally neutral and non-interpretative and is not designed to modify beliefs or maximize emotional exposure. Beyond trauma-related disorders, LDTI is tentatively extended to conditions characterized by intrusive imagery, reduced executive control, or impaired affect regulation. LDTI is presented without claims regarding clinical efficacy, safety, or comparative effectiveness.