Session One - Overview of Attachment Patterns, Trauma Exposure, Attachment- and Trauma-related Disorders

January 23, 2026

Session One – Content Level: Advanced
Overview of Attachment Patterns, Trauma Exposure, Attachment- and Trauma-related Disorders

The session will begin with an overview of how different attachment pattens interact with trauma to shape the characteristics of a dissociative disorder. We will discuss how secure attachment can play a protective role, while insecure or disorganized attachment may foster dissociated self-states. We will then focus on how chronic relational trauma and insecure or disorganized attachment models interact to create the characteristics of Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD) in children, and cPTSD in adults. We’ll consider how these may develop into Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).

Readings

  1. Ford, J. D. (2023). Why we need a developmentally appropriate trauma diagnosis for children: A 10‑Year update on Developmental Trauma Disorder. Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 16, 403–418. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-021-00415-4
  2. Liotti, G. (2006). A model of dissociation based on attachment theory and research. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 7(4), 55–73. https://doi.org/10.1300/J229v07n04_04
  3. Schimmenti, A. (2023). The relationship between attachment and dissociation: Theory, research, and clinical implications. In M. J. Dorahy, S. N. Gold, & J. A. O'Neil (Eds.), Dissociation and the dissociative disorders: Past, present, future (2nd ed., pp. 161–176). Routledge.

Timed Outline:
45 minutes – lecture presentation
20 minutes – discuss readings
25 minutes – case discussion and closing comments
 

Learning Objectives

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

  1. Define and describe Developmental Trauma Disorder and complex PTSD
  2. Describe how attachment patterns influence personality disorders and DID
  3. Discuss the protective roles of attachment strategies
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: 
12/01/2025
Course expires: 
06/30/2026
Event starts: 
01/23/2026 - 2:00pm EST
Event ends: 
01/23/2026 - 3:30pm EST
Part of: 
Post-Level III Mini Course: Attachment and Dissociation: Developmental Origins and Clinical Applications
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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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