Organizing Disorganization: Case Conceptualization for Structural Dissociation

 

Abstract
One of the greatest challenges in working with complex dissociative disorders is to provide a step-wise, rational, and relatively steady treatment approach. Chaos, crises, avoidance strategies, resistances, intense transference and countertransference, conflicts among dissociative parts, and a disorganized attachment style are only a few issues that contribute to difficulties in maintaining a stable therapy. We will explore specific ways to conceptualize a case that offers the therapist a meta-view of how the client is organized, opening a path toward a rational treatment plan. We will explore how to assess specific prognostic factors and set collaborative therapeutic goals. We will discuss general guidelines about how treatment might differ when there is more than one part that functions in daily life; which parts to work with first; when it is better to work with all, some or only one part at a time; steps toward integration even before traumatic memories can be addressed; and effective ways to work with particular types of parts.
 

Target Audience

Beginning/Introductory

Learning Objectives

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

  • List at least five prognostic factors to assess when planning treatment with a client who has a dissociative disorder.
  • Discuss rationale for working with all parts, some parts, or only one part at a time, and when each might be appropriate over the course of treatment.
  • Make a treatment plan for a client with a dissociative disorder based on prognostic factors, including comorbidity, and on the inner organization of the client.
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 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: 
09/20/2021
Course expires: 
12/31/2050
ISSTD Member cost:
$0.00
Your Price:
$35.00
Part of: 
Series VIII - 2018 Webinars
Rating: 
5

 

Presenter: Kathy Steele, MN, CS
Presenter Bio: Kathy Steele, MN, CS has been in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia for over three decades, specializing in the treatment of complex trauma, dissociation, attachment difficulties, and the challenges of complicated therapies. She is an adjunct faculty at Emory University, and is a Fellow and past President of the ISSTD. She is the recipient of a number of awards for her clinical and published works. Kathy has (co) authored three books with her Dutch colleagues, including The Haunted Self (2006), Coping with Trauma-related Dissociation (2011), and most recently Treating Trauma-related Dissociation: A Practical, Integrative Approach (2017).
 

Available Credit

  • 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.

Price

ISSTD Member cost:
$0.00
Your Price:
$35.00
Please login or register to take this course.

"Your Price" above reflects your price based on your membership status. In the checkout process you will be asked to specify your career level and may be eligible for further discounts based on your selection. 

  • 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.