Facebook
X
LinkedIn
ForwardLiving Legends: How Theory Informs Treatment of Dissociative Children and Adolescents
Abstract
This presentation will look at theories which inform the practice of psychotherapy for children and adolescents with dissociative disorders. Daniel Siegel's theory of interpersonal neurobiology will be described with an emphasis on the importance of interpersonal relationships for the development of mind and identity. Another key principle in Daniel Siegel's theory is the importance of transition moments as opportunities to build coherence of the self. These ideas will be brought to life in case examples where the therapist choice of response at the moments of a child or adolescent switching state can influence how the self develops coherence. Kluft's theory of the development of dissociative identity disorder will be examined with an emphasis on how shaping influences in the environment can effect the expression of dissociation in children and adolescents.
Potential to Distress: No
Target Audience
Those seeking to participate in this webinar must be licensed mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, mental health counselors, accredited psychotherapists, etc.). ISSTD staff will audit license information prior to the start of the course and may request additional documentation for your license.
We do accept students 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. Students must submit proof of student status such as a transcript or registration record. For those who have completed their degree and are currently in the pre-licensure stage practicing under the license of another clinician, you must provide the name and license information for the person you are working with. Documentation should be sent to ISSTD staff at [email protected] before registering.
This webinar content is at the intermediate level.
Learning Objectives
Upon Completion of this webinar, participants will be able to
- Identify techniques for reacting to switching in children and adolescence that maximizes opportunities for integration
- Describe a therapeutic reaction to the fears the child has of parts of the self that will promote unification of the self
- List two reasons that a family component in therapy can more rapidly move the child towards integration
Presenter: Joyanna Silberg, PhD
Joyanna Silberg, PhD served as the Senior Consultant for Child and Adolescent Trauma at Sheppard Pratt Health System in Baltimore, Maryland until 2019. Currently she is the President of the Leadership Council on Child Abuse & Interpersonal Violence. Her practice specializes in consultation for children and adolescents suffering from dissociative symptoms and disorders, supervision of clinicians, and her forensic practice has specialized in child sexual abuse. She has served as an expert witness in 27 states.
She is past-president of the International Society for the Study of Trauma & Dissociation (ISSTD) and contributing editor to the society’s journal, the Journal of Trauma and Dissociation. She has published multiple peer reviewed papers in scholarly journals and multiple book chapters. She is the recipient of the 1992 Walter P. Klopfer Award for her research, 1997 Cornelia Wilbur Award for clinical excellence, and the 2011 William Friedrich Award for work on Child Sexual Abuse. Dr. Silberg is the editor of The Dissociative Child (Sidran Press) and co-editor of Misinformation Concerning Child Sexual Abuse and Adult Survivors (Haworth Press).
She has presented nationally and internationally on child abuse, psychotherapy, and protecting abused children in family court. Dr. Silberg is the 2013 recipient of the Champion for Children Award from the Domestic Violence and Legal Empowerment Appeals Project (DVLEAP), and the 2013 recipient of the Written Media Award for her book, The Child Survivor, awarded by the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. Her newest book, the second edition of The Child Survivor: Healing Developmental Trauma and Dissociation, was released in 2022. She is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award from the ISSTD in 2025.
Available Credit
- 1.50 APAThe 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 ACEThe 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 ProgramThis program is eligible for 1.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.
Price
"Your Price" above reflects your final price based on your membership status and career level.
- 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.
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.
Registration Policies
Cancellations prior to the webinar are subject to a $10 cancellation fee. No refunds are provided for no shows. The deadline for cancellations with a refund is February 9, 2026 at 5:00pm US Eastern Time. Requests for cancellation should be sent to [email protected].
For additional webinar policies including completion requirements, filing grievances, requesting a disability accommodation, and awarding of certificates of credits, please visit our Webinar Policies page.