Session Nine - Suicidality and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury

October 16, 2026

Session Nine - Suicidality and Non-suicidal Self-injury (NSSI)
Content Level: Advanced

Session Description
Suicidality and non-suicidal self-injury (NSII) are very prevalent in those with complex trauma and dissociative disorders. This session explores research into the role of complex trauma and dissociative disorder in both suicide and non-suicidal self-injury and whether dissociation in and of itself is a mediator in non-suicidal self-injury. As an outcome of the research, methods of assessing and treating suicidal acts and non-suicidal self-injury is
discussed. Students are encouraged to consider their responses to their clients’ suicidal acts as well as client’s non-suicidal self-injury in light of the research.

    Readings

    1. Bertule, M., Sebre, S. B., & Kolesovs, A. (2021). Childhood abuse experiences, depression and dissociation symptoms in relation to suicide attempts and suicidal ideation. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 22(5), 598-614.
    2. Nester, M. S., Pierorazio, N. A., Shandler, G., & Brand, B. L. (2023). Characteristics, Methods, And Functions of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Among Highly Dissociative Individuals. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 24(3), 333–347. 
    3. Vatanparast, A., Shakiba, S., Momeni, F., & Kamrani, A. (2024). The relationship between childhood maltreatment and self-harm: The mediating roles of alexithymia, dissociation, internalizing and posttraumatic symptoms. European journal of psychotraumatology, 15(1), 2378642.
    4. Stagaki, M., Nolte, T., Feigenbaum, J., King-Casas, B., Lohrenz, T., Fonagy, P., ... & Personality and Mood Disorder Research Consortium. (2022). The mediating role of attachment and mentalising in the relationship between childhood maltreatment, self-harm and suicidality. Child Abuse & Neglect, 128, 105576.
    Timed Outline
    45 minutes:    Discussion of Reading 1 and Webinar 
    45 minutes:    Discussion of Reading 2 and 3
    30 minutes:    Discussion of Reading 4
    30 minutes:    Discussion of student’s disguised cases, or further discussion of readings or webinar if no case material available.

     

    Learning Objectives

    After the completion of this class, participants will be able to:
    1. Discuss differences between suicidal ideation and suicide attempts and the impact of depression and dissociation, in those who suffered childhood abuse, and some ways to work with suicidal dissociative clients
    2. Describe the characteristics and methods of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and their functions in dissociative clients
    3. Discuss the roles of alexithymia, dissociation, internalizing and posttraumatic symptoms in relation to childhood abuse and NSSI
    4. Explain and explore the role of attachment and mentalizing in relation to childhood abuse, NSSI and suicidality
    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: 
    09/29/2025
    Course expires: 
    11/30/2026
    Event starts: 
    10/16/2026 - 11:30am EDT
    Event ends: 
    10/16/2026 - 2:00pm EDT
    Part of: 
    Advanced Topics in Complex Trauma and Dissociative Disorders | Flakser 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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