Freeze, Not Frozen: Differentiating Dissociative Reactions from Paralyzing Doubt

November 10, 2024

Abstract
In the field of trauma studies, the commonly discussed fight-flight-freeze response has been instrumental in understanding how individuals react to life-threatening situations. While the mechanisms of fight and flight have been extensively studied and are well-understood, the freeze response remains less clearly defined. Authors and researchers frequently employ the term "freeze" to describe various manifestations, leading to ongoing debate and investigative efforts.

Some experts use the term "freeze" to describe the manifestations that occur when the parasympathetic nervous system surges after the sympathetic crisis-mode activation fails to overcome a perceived threat (after fight-flight). In contrast, others define "freeze" as the mechanisms engaged when an individual becomes attentively immobile, allowing the brain to assess the situation before deciding whether socially engage, to fight, or flee (before fight-flight). These two distinct mechanisms have implications not only during the peritraumatic phase but also in the development of markedly different post-traumatic strategies that a child could develop after experiencing confusing parenting that consistently triggers one or both of these types of responses.

This workshop aims to provide a more differentiated approach to understanding their effects of both freezing responses on the brain and nervous system, as well as their impact on daily functioning. Key topics covered include the connection between the "fight-flight-on-hold" response and the unmyelinated vagal pathway, insights from the polyvagal theory regarding preventive mechanisms, and the interplay between allostatic load and dissociation that began early in life and could affect treatment outcomes. Clients who experienced one or both of the freeze responses may struggle to communicate or engage in therapy, which makes the understanding of the possible challenges associated with forming a therapeutic bond clinically relevant. 

The presentation will guide participants in recognizing the differences between the mechanism that causes rigidity and the ones that are associated with dissociative manifestations of detachment, as well as their clinical implications. Specifically, participants will learn to identify the specific features of each freeze response, leading to distinct attachment styles that require completely different interventions. By highlighting these differences, this workshop aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and skills to design more effective and efficient treatments. 

Potential to Distress: No

Target Audience

Beginning/Introductory

Learning Objectives

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

  • Describe the different types of freeze responses and the nervous system branches that play a role on each type of paralyzing responses
  • Recognize the reason both paralyzing manifestations need different clinical interventions
  • List the specific symptoms associated with each type of freeze response and their impact on daily functioning, identifying the different attachment styles and survival strategies
  • Translate the understanding of freeze responses into actionable strategies tailored to address the challenges during treatment that may result from experiencing these responses
  • Explain how to integrate this new knowledge into clinical practice by identifying the appropriate interventions.
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: 
08/01/2024
Course expires: 
12/31/2050
Event starts: 
11/10/2024 - 2:30pm EST
Event ends: 
11/10/2024 - 4:00pm EST
Part of: 
Attachment and the Therapeutic Relationship - Day Two
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Antonieta Contreras, LCSW-R, MSW
Antonieta Contreras, a former banker and business consultant, is a Gestalt-trained psychotherapist who graduated as a social worker from NYU in 2011. Following her experience in the Psyche ER of a city hospital and working with highly traumatized individuals in agencies, she pursued specialization in Trauma Studies from the Institute of Contemporary Psychotherapies (ICP) and Human Sexuality from NYU School of Medicine. In her New York City private practice, Antonieta integrates various trauma treatment modalities, holding certifications as a Board Certified Neurofeedback clinician and EMDR Approved Consultant. She is proficient in techniques such as AEDP, Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy & Integration, IFS, EFT, Imago, hypnosis, among others which she integrates with the contemplative techniques she learned during her time in India and from Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Actively engaged in the field, Antonieta holds positions as a Board member and Treasurer of the New York Association of Trauma Therapists (NYCATT), and is a member of organizations including ISSTD, IRNA, and NYSSCSW. She has delivered presentations on trauma at clinics, hospitals, and agencies, and is slated to present at the 9th International ESTD (European Society for Trauma and Dissociation) Congress this October. Additionally, Antonieta has amassed a significant following of readers and followers for her articles and insights on trauma shared online. Besides her work as a clinician, she is a consultant, supervisor, and former faculty and co-director of the ICP Trauma Studies Program. She is the author of the award winning book Traumatization and Its Aftermath (Routledge, 2023). Currently, Antonieta is finalizing her forthcoming work, Conceptualizing Trauma Through a Systemic Lens: A Workbook for Therapists.

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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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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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.

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