Session Five: Integration of Trauma and Dissociative Symptoms, Countertransference and Relational Therapies, Integration of Self

April 10, 2026

Session Five – Content Level: Advanced
Integration of Trauma and Dissociative Symptoms, Countertransference and Relational Therapies, Integration of Self-Structures

In this session, participants will explore the integration of treatment of trauma and dissociative symptoms with therapy for disturbances in abilities to form relationships. We will demonstrate the applications of attachment theory to relational therapies, including transference and countertransference dynamics. Because dissociated self-states play essential roles in maintaining attachment, self-protection, and the integrity of self-structure, the importance of carefully pacing the integration of dissociated memories and self-states will be emphasized. 

Readings

  1. Blizard, R. A. (2001). Masochistic and sadistic ego states: Dissociative solutions to the dilemma of attachment to an abusive caretaker. Journal of Trauma and Dissociation, 2(4), 37-58. https://doi.org/10.1300/J229v02n04_03
  2. Brassard, A., & Johnson, S. M. (2018). Couple and family therapy: An attachment perspective. In J. Cassidy & P. R. Shaver (Eds.), Handbook of attachment: Theory, research, and clinical applications, (3rd Edition, Chapter 35). Guilford Press.
  3. Fonagy, P., Luyten, P., Allison, E., & Campbell, C. (2018). Reconciling psychoanalytic ideas with attachment theory. In J. Cassidy & P. R. Shaver (Eds.), Handbook of attachment: Theory, research, and clinical applications, (3rd Edition, Chapter 34). Guilford Press.

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. Discuss the challenges inherent in forming secure-based relationships and developing an earned secure classification
  2. Describe transference and countertransference through the lens of attachment and dissociative theory
  3. Discuss how to integrate dissociated memories and self-states
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: 
04/10/2026 - 2:00pm EDT
Event ends: 
04/10/2026 - 3:30pm EDT
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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