Session Two - Defense Cascade and the War Within

May 13, 2026

Abstract
The session will focus on the defense cascade and how sensory experience informs the line of defense.  There will be further discussion about the vestibular system and visceral sensations after trauma. There will be an opportunity to present case reports.

Objectives

  1. Summarize the defense cascade
  2. Describe the vestibular system
  3. Prepare and present case reports and process therapeutic interventions

Readings

  1. Lanius, R.A., Harricharan, S. Kearney, B., Pandev-Girard, B., (2025). Sensory Pathways to Healing from Trauma: Harnessing the Brain’s Capacity for Change. The Guilford Press, New York, NY., Chapters 4-6 (pp. 48-106).
  2. Schimmenti, A., Santoro, G., Costanzo, A. & Musetti, A. (2025). Attachment trauma, dissociation, and addictive behaviors: A psychodynamic perspective. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 26:5, 697-714. DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2025.2542127

Timed Outline

  • 1 hour and 15 minutes: Book Chapter(s)
  • 15 minutes: Journal Article
  • 1 hour: Case presentations
     
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 2.50 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.
  • 2.50 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 2.50 continuing education credits.
  • 2.50 ISSTD Certificate Program
    This program is eligible for 2.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.
Course opens: 
02/01/2026
Course expires: 
01/31/2027
Event starts: 
05/13/2026 - 7:00pm EDT
Event ends: 
05/13/2026 - 9:00pm EDT
Part of: 
Master Seminar - Complex Posttraumatic and Dissociative Disorders | Turkus/Smith 2026
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Available Credit

  • 2.50 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.
  • 2.50 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 2.50 continuing education credits.
  • 2.50 ISSTD Certificate Program
    This program is eligible for 2.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.
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