Innovative and Creative Uses of Technology in DID Care

September 27, 2025

Abstract
This presentation explores the innovative and clinically grounded use of technology in the treatment of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and other dissociative disorders. Digital tools that can be support both internal system communication and cohesion and external relational functioning will be explored along with real case examples. These interventions are grounded in clinical experience, the lived experience of individuals with DID and supported by emerging literature on digital mental health and complex trauma treatment.

Technological tools such as AI-based applications, life simulation games (e.g., The Sims), and interactive platforms can provide creative and non-threatening environments for parts/alters/headmates to express themselves, build trust, and collaboratively navigate internal systems. The use of AI tools, digital journals, and collaborative app development has also proven effective in enhancing communication, fostering self-understanding, and supporting continuity of care across therapeutic and daily life contexts.

Additionally, technology offers unique opportunities to support external communication—helping individuals with DID articulate internal experiences to therapists, loved ones, and support networks in ways that increase relational attunement and reduce shame or misunderstanding. For example, using visualization tools to map internal systems or narrative timelines can bridge the gap between internal worlds and external relational needs.

The presentation will include clinical examples, ethical considerations, and practical applications, as well as demonstrations of selected tools. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how technology can be thoughtfully integrated into clinical work with dissociative clients—especially for fostering internal cohesion, improving communication between parts/alters, and enhancing relational support.

This presentation contributes to the field by offering concrete strategies to clinicians working with clients with dissociative disorders and by broadening the scope of creative interventions in trauma treatment.

Potential to Distress: No

Target Audience

Intermediate

Learning Objectives

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

  • Describe at least three ways technology can be used to support internal communication and cohesion in clients with DID
  • Identify ethical and clinical considerations when integrating digital tools into trauma treatment for dissociative disorders
  • Apply at least two technology-based strategies to support client communication with external support systems
  • Evaluate the benefits and limitations of using AI-driven and gamified platforms in clinical work with individuals diagnosed with DID
  • Develop individualized strategies for integrating creative technology tools into existing trauma treatment plans to support internal system collaboration
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: 
09/27/2025 - 4:30pm EDT
Event ends: 
09/27/2025 - 6:00pm EDT
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Mariah Rooney, LICSW
Mariah Rooney, MSW, LICSW (they/she), is a trauma specialist, educator, and consultant whose work sits at the intersections of trauma, healing justice, and transformative change. She has served as a faculty member in the graduate Schools of Social Work at Winona State University and the University of St. Thomas and her research has focused on body-centered approaches to trauma care. Mariah’s passion for creating inclusive and embodied opportunities for healing led her to found Trauma Informed Weight Lifting, a program of the Center for Trauma and Embodiment. Her work is deeply informed by a commitment to justice, collective liberation, and the power of strong, collaborative relationships. Mariah's clinical specializations are in working with the complex manifestations of traumatic stress, attachment trauma, intergenerational trauma,  dissociation, and DID as well as working with LGBTQIA+ identifying folks. 

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.
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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. 

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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. 

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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