Managing structural dissociation of the personality due to the effects of severe, chronic and multiple childhood traumas remains challenging.  A phase oriented treatment approach has been proposed by van der Hart, Nijenhuis and Steele (2006).  This workshop will explore current theories and treatments.  This workshop will specifically focus on the Ego State Therapy approach of Prof. John and Helen Watkins, in the treatment of severe cases of personality disintegration due to Complex PTSD, specifically Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).

The presenting symptoms, diagnosis, development and treatment of DID will be explored. The development of alters through trauma and introjects will be presented and demonstrated.  The utilization of the SARI-model and stages of integration (Frederick, C. & Phillips, M, 1995) will be explained through case presentations of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) on DVD.  Different techniques of education and establishing safety and stabilisation will be presented.   Recognising, the technique of talking through to alters and how to access alters will be discussed and demonstrated.  The complexity of treating DID requires at times of the therapist to develop novel therapeutic approaches to join the clients world. The utilization of art and music, play therapy, EMDR/EMI and Somatic Experiencing to access and process underlying trauma and resolve the conflicts between dissociated alters/ states will be explored.  The workshop will also refer to some of the more difficult treatment dilemmas in severe dissociation: hallucinations, self-destructiveness, malevolent alters and managing complex conditions such as epilepsy.  Lastly, incorporating the patient in the stages of integration and developing a new identity will be presented.

Educational Objectives

1. 1. Understanding Treatment Approaches:
      • Gain knowledge of various proposed treatment approaches for DID.
   2. Recognition and Diagnosis:
      • Learn to recognize, identify, and diagnose DID accurately.
   3. Neurophysiological Mechanisms:
      • Understand the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of DID.
   4. Phase-Oriented Treatment Models:
      • Explore different phase-oriented treatment models for managing DID.
   5. Ego State Therapy:
      • Develop a comprehensive understanding of treating severe personality dissociation within the Ego State Therapy model.
   6. Applying Treatment Principles:
      • Learn to utilize treatment principles to stabilize and strengthen patients, access alters, process trauma, and promote personality integration, leading to the development of a cohesive new identity.
   7. Managing Complex Trauma:
      • Acquire strategies for managing specific challenges associated with structural dissociation of the personality due to complex trauma.

Early Bird Registration till 9 June 2024: $500

($ 250 Full-time Students and Unpaid Interns)

Registration: $ 600

($ 300 Full-time Students and Unpaid Interns)