<p>Substitute formations play a&#xa0;crucial role in processing traumatic experiences. They particularly occur when natural healing processes fail. In this context, healing means the best possible processing of the traumatic experience and the overcoming of its consequences to bring the process to appropriate closure. As long as no effective closure is experienced and essential needs related to the trauma and its aftermath remain unfulfilled, the striving for it persists.</p><p>Substitute formations can both support and hinder processing and may manifest as trauma-related symptoms. But which substitute formations support processes of recovery, and which merely alleviate symptoms without fostering a&#xa0;lasting integration of the experience into the person’s life?</p><p>Useful explanations for psychotherapy can be found by Lewin in his groups research program in the psychology of action and emotion. Substitute formations were examined regarding their nature and effects in need-associated tension systems.</p><p>Through case examples, this paper will demonstrate how these findings can be utilized for individuals with traumatic experiences to support integration. It will illustrate how substitute formations manifest and can be differentiated based on their essential or symptomatic orientation, what effective substitutes clients develop, how they achieve this, and how substitute formations support felt closure of traumatic experiences.</p>