From Research to Practice: Transforming the Impact of Unhealthy Parent-child Dynamics to Create a Sense of "Securefulness" in Dissociative Clients

November 9, 2024

Abstract
By integrating empirical research with practical therapeutic approaches, this session aims to equip clinicians with the knowledge and tools necessary to support clients struggling with dissociation, ultimately promoting healing and resilience through secure therapeutic relationships. It explores the intricate relationship between attachment, parent-child dynamics, and dissociation. 

The findings stem from in-depth interviews with 13 in-patients diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), questionnaires completed by 313 participants from an Australian university, and 30 individuals undergoing treatment for Dissociative Disorders (DD). The study employed a 60-question version of Dell’s Multidimensional Inventory of Dissociation (MID-60), Holmes & Lyons-Ruth’s Relationship Questionnaire for adult attachment styles, and Kate’s Parent-Child Dynamics Questionnaire (PCD-Q) to uncover the underpinnings of dissociation. 

Females reporting negative parent-child dynamics were 17-times more likely to have clinical levels of dissociation compared to those with neutral or positive experiences. Medium to large effect sizes were observed for the majority of dynamics explored. Clinical dissociation was predicted by a lack of maternal and paternal care, which undermines the child’s ability to seek comfort and develop self-esteem, self-worth, and a coherent sense of self. A chronic sense of feeling unsafe, attributed to unpredictable parental behavior, powerlessness, lack of control, unfairness and gaslighting, emerged as a common thread among dissociative individuals. These individuals frequently reported not feeling "seen" by their caregivers, having limited opportunities for personal growth and decision-making, and being discouraged from developing independence, living in an environment of secrecy, and being isolated from the outside world, often in an attempt to hide the dysfunction that exists behind the closed doors of the “apparently normal family”. 
 The session will delve into the therapeutic implications of these findings, identifying restorative experiences and the positive parent-child dynamics that protect against dissociation. Attendees will explore how to foster these protective dynamics in their clients. Central to this discussion is the concept of "securefulness," which underscores the importance of caregivers' ability to anticipate and sensitively respond to children's needs. This approach not only ensures survival but also helps children regulate distress, feel safe and cared for, and develop a healthy understanding of themselves and others. Securefulness is presented as a transformative key to healing, enabling individuals to navigate the complex aftermath of both the absence of positive interactions and the presence of negative ones in parent-child relationships.
 
Participants in this session will gain a comprehensive understanding of the parent-child dynamics that predict dissociation and learn to recognize these imprints in therapeutic settings. The session will provide practical strategies for addressing the needs of clients with dissociative disorders by fostering restorative experiences and cultivating a sense of securefulness within the therapeutic relationship.

Potential to Distress: No

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the types of parent-child dynamics that predict dissociation    
  • Recognize the imprints of these dynamics in therapeutic settings    
  • Identify restorative experiences to address negative parent-child dynamics and the lack of positive dynamics    
  • Apply techniques that foster a sense of “securefulness” in therapy
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: 
07/01/2024
Course expires: 
12/31/2050
Event starts: 
11/09/2024 - 6:30pm EST
Event ends: 
11/09/2024 - 8:00pm EST
Part of: 
Attachment and the Therapeutic Relationship - Day One
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Mary-Anne Kate, PhD
Dr Mary-Anne Kate is an award-winning researcher specialising in dissociation and interpersonal trauma, and mental health. She is a Scientific Committee member of International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD).  

Mary-Anne currently lectures on the Master of Professional Psychology and Bachelor of Psychological Science programs at Southern Cross University and has previously taught on the Master of Mental Health. She recently developed the master’s unit on Psychological Assessment and Psychopathology, and the undergraduate unit Understanding Psychological Diagnoses, and is the lead author of the Dissociative and Somatic Disorder chapter in the Australasian Wiley textbook Abnormal Psychology. 

In 2021 Mary-Anne was awarded the Morton Prince award for Scientific Research. In 2018 she was awarded the Chancellor's Doctoral Research Medal from the University of New England and in 2019 the David Caul Award from the ISSTD for her PhD on childhood maltreatment, parent-child dynamics, and dissociation. Mary-Anne developed the Multidimensional Inventory of Dissociation - 60 item version (MID-60) to screen for dissociative symptoms, DSM-5-TR dissociative disorders and PTSD. 

Mary-Anne also has extensive experience improving the quality of life and mental health of refugees, migrants, and other vulnerable groups, including in a diplomatic role in Cairo, as a policy advisor in an influential EU think tank, and strategic policy development in Canberra. Mary-Anne is passionate about creating a mentally healthy and equitable society.

Christine Forner, RSW, MSW
Christine Forner  (BA, BSW, MSW, RSW)  is an International expert, published author, clinician, and teacher on the intersection of dissociation, mindfulness, and complex trauma. She is a compassionate force in the world of trauma therapy, a seasoned clinician, and a leading expert in dissociation and mindfulness, as well as coercive control. With a career that spans over three decades, Christine has dedicated her life to understanding and unraveling the often misunderstood and neglected field of complex trauma and dissociation. She is the Clinician Owner/Operator at Associated Counselling Calgary, Alberta, Canada  and Past President of the ISSTD. 

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 September 30, 2024 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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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 Friday, October 25, 2024 at 5:00 PM ET. No refunds will be issued for no-shows. Refund requests will not be accepted after October 25, 2024. Not all requests will be granted. Substitutions for attendees are accepted until November 1, 2024.

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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.

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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.

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