Gender Diversity in Dissociative Identity Disorder

September 28, 2025

Abstract
Presently, gender is a common topic of discussion in literature and culture; however, as clinicians, are we fully attending to dissociative disorders in our gender diverse clients? Treatment guidelines for Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) dictate internal mapping of unique dissociative parts, but this gets more complicated when there is internal conflict about external gender expression, relationships with other people, and potential gender affirming care desires. In order to provide effective dissociative treatment that is also affirming, we must give consideration to the complexity of gender diversity in our clients with DID. This presentation focuses on best practices, specific strategies, and clinical applications that best serve clients who experience the intersection of gender diversity and Dissociative Identity Disorder. The aim of this presentation is to prepare clinicians to work effectively, ethically, and in the gender diverse client’s best interest when treating them for DID. Research about this specific intersection is somewhat limited, but the existing literature will be reviewed to provide an overview of recent findings regarding the symptoms, patterns, and effective interventions for gender diverse clients with DID. The presenters’ expertise as clinicians who provide treatment for Dissociative Identity Disorder and gender diverse clients will also be reviewed, for the purpose of providing examples of, and differentiating between, common presentations of DID in gender diverse clients that are often seen in clinical practice. To highlight the real-life relevance of this unique client experience, an established case study from the literature will be discussed to develop attendees’ skills in assessment, building rapport, and providing effective and ethical treatment to gender diverse clients with DID. The application of these specific strategies and considerations will be an important part of this presentation, to support the purpose of developing clinicians’ skills for working with gender diversity within clients with Dissociative Identity Disorder from an affirming and ethically grounded approach. 

Potential to Distress: No

Target Audience

Intermediate

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session participants will be able to:

  • Differentiate aspects of gender diversity from the typical presentation of DID
  • Analyze a case study representing gender diversity in DID clients
  • Apply clinical considerations when working with DID clients with gender diversity
  • Discuss existing research about gender diversity in DID clients including gaps in the literature    
  • Prepare clinicians to provide effective and ethical treatment for DID clients with gender diversity
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.50 APA
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • 1.50 ASWB ACE
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2024 – 08/20/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.50 continuing education credits.
  • 1.50 ISSTD Certificate Program
    This program is eligible for 1.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.
Course opens: 
07/01/2025
Course expires: 
12/31/2050
Event starts: 
09/28/2025 - 2:30pm EDT
Event ends: 
09/28/2025 - 4:00pm EDT
Part of: 
Minding the Gaps: Listening for the Unspoken and Seeing the Unseen - Day Two
Add to calendar: 
Rating: 
0

Jessica Endres, PhD
Dr. Jessica Endres (she/her/hers) completed her doctoral degree in Counselor Education from Sam Houston State University in 2022 after completing her dissertation on dissociation in adults who experienced childhood trauma. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in her private practice in Texas called Red Oak Therapy and an adjunct professor in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. In addition to her current roles in private practice and higher education, Dr. Endres has previous clinical experience in various settings including a psychiatric hospital, local mental health authority, rape crisis center, and domestic violence shelter. Her clinical training includes Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (Basic, PRECI, ASSYT, Group), as well as Trauma Model Therapy and Gender-Affirming Psychotherapy Training. Additionally, she is a trained yoga instructor. She is a member of the ISSTD and the Texas Counseling Association where she has presented at both of the organizations’ annual conferences multiple times. 

Rachel Allen, MS, LPC
Rachel Allen (she/her/hers) completed her Masters degree in Counseling from Southern Methodist University in 2022, with a concentration in LGTQIA+ Affirming Therapy. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in her solo private practice in Texas named Rachel Allen Counseling, specializing in providing evidence-based treatment for trauma and dissociative disorders within the LGBTQIA+ population. Rachel is a National Certified Counselor, certified in Trauma Model Therapy, and a member of the Texas Counseling Association and its division TxSAIGE (Texas Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities). She has experience working in various levels of care including the assessment department of a psychiatric hospital, an in-person PHP/IOP for teens, a virtual PHP/IOP for clients with trauma and dissociative disorders, and group practice. Rachel has presented at multiple settings including conferences and local organizations over the topics of Treating Dissociative Disorders in Adults and Adolescents, Gender-Affirming Care, Student Mental Health, and Counseling Asexual, Aromantic, and Agender Clients. 

Available Credit

  • 1.50 APA
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • 1.50 ASWB ACE
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2024 – 08/20/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.50 continuing education credits.
  • 1.50 ISSTD Certificate Program
    This program is eligible for 1.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.
Please login or register to take this course.

Early registration ends August 31, 2025 at 5:00 PM US Eastern Time. Prices will increase for emerging professional and professional/retired rates at that time by $50. 

"Your Price" above reflects your final price based on your membership status, career level and any add-ons you choose to add to your registration. Please add this item to your cart and answer the questions on the next page to see your final price. 

Registration is available for one or two days for this event. If you wish to register for one day, click the day you wish to attend at the top of this page to take you to registration for that day. 

Please note that it can take up to two full business days for your membership status to update following the creation of your account in this system. You will receive an email once your account has been updated to reflect your membership status. Please wait until your membership status has been updated to register. If your account is not updated in this timeframe, please email [email protected] for assistance.

ISSTD defines a student as those enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certification in the mental health field and who have an interest in trauma and dissociation. 
ISSTD defines an emerging professional as mental health professionals who have completed an advanced degree and are in the first three years of their career (or first three years after graduation for researchers).
If you do not fall into one of the above categories please register as Professional/Retired. 

Available Discounts

  • These prices are for Tier I countries. For a list of countries by Tier click here. If you are located in a country that falls into Tier II-VI please contact ISSTD at [email protected] to receive the appropriate discount code. 
  • Group rates are available for groups of five or more from the same hospital, facility, or university. Please email ISSTD HQ for assistance with group rates. For groups of 5-9 the discount is 10% off registration fees, for groups of 10 or more the discount is 15% off registration fees. 

Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be received in writing via email or fax. A processing fee of $45 will be charged for cancellations received on or before Sunday, August 31, 2025 at 5:00 PM US Eastern Time. No refunds will be issued for no-shows. Refund requests will not be accepted after August 31, 2025. Not all requests will be granted. Substitutions for attendees are accepted until September 23, 2025.

Grievance Policy
ISSTD is fully committed to conducting all activities in strict conformation with the APA and ASWB grievance procedures.

During this conference, conference organizers, presenters and staff will address any concerns that arise. Every effort will be made to address the concerns during the conference when possible. If these individuals are unable to address the participant’s concerns, the complaints and grievances shall be presented in writing to ISSTD Headquarters at [email protected]. These will be forwarded on for review by the Virtual and Regional Conference Committee.

Social Workers: Should social workers have a specific grievance, these grievances will be addressed by D. Michael Coy, LICSW. In situations where the social worker would have a conflict of interest, then, Christine Forner, MSW will review the grievance.

ISSTD strives to resolve grievances in a manner that is in the best interest of the participant. All complaints and grievances are reviewed within 5 working days. Formal grievances are required to be written and emailed as directed above and will be responded to within 15 business days.

Disability Policy (ADA)
We would be happy to accommodate your ADA needs. Please contact ISSTD Headquarters via email at [email protected] or via phone at 844.994.7783 for assistance.

Registration Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 844.994.7783
Fax: 888.966.0310