The Stranger in the Mirror:
Understanding & Treating Dissociative Disorders
Upcoming Trainings
Level 1
Knowledge - Assessment - interventions
This training will include the history of the awareness and study of dissociative disorders with emphasis on the 19th century, 1980s, and 1990s and beyond.
We will review the scientific findings around dissociative disorders as well as review our current understandings of how dissociative processes are carried out neurologically and biologically.
Direction and guidance will be given around proper assessment of dissociative disorders including structured tools that have been empirically validated. Time will be spent reviewing diagnostic criteria including typical presentations. Various models of conceptualizing dissociation will be presented with a large emphasis on self systems (e.g. Dissociative Identity Disorder).
Once we have a standardized way to assess and conceptualize dissociation we will spend time discussing treatment principles, boundaries, and approaches. The final portion of the training will include a consultation time as we review case vignettes and clinician cases.
Learning Objectives
To understand the dissociative phenomenon in its universal historical context and not as a transient aberration. This will include review of the evidence of the trauma origins of Dissociative Identity Disorder.
To review our current understanding of the biological/neurological mechanisms that mediate dissociative responses that with conditioning lead to pathological dissociative responses.
To understand the various conceptualizations of dissociation as well as clinical criteria to assess and diagnose dissociation--including the review of various empirically verified tools for screening for and diagnosing dissociation.
To develop a theoretical conceptualization for dissociative disorders that provides language and useful formulations including Structural Dissociation Theory.
To understand the principles of treatment for dissociative disorders as well as appropriate boundaries and interventions for working with internal systems..
Level 2
Assessing - Conceptualization - interventions
This training builds of Level 1 “The Stranger in the Mirror: Understanding and Treating Dissociative Disorders.” Participants must have completed Level 1 in order to register for this training as Level 1 covers foundational concepts necessary for understanding the advanced approaches in Level 2. Level 2 will take a deeper, more detailed dive into assessing and conceptualizing complex trauma and dissociative disorders through the lens of internal systems. Differential diagnosis methods will be discussed, various clinical presentations will be explored, and the theory of structural dissociation will be applied in detail. There will also be an extensive focus on treatment interventions as well as necessary considerations for the therapeutic relationship. Topics of attachment, transference, countertransference, and re-enactments will be covered in-depth. Case studies and practicums will be integral to the course so attendees can become skilled at conceptualizing cases through an internal system lens and provide treatment accordingly.
Learning Objectives
To understand the DSM 5-TR diagnostic criteria of OSDD & DID in addition to understanding the clinical features of each through exploring various clinical presentations, and consequently assess, diagnose, and differentially diagnoses these disorders.
To understand internal systems through the model of Structural Dissociation and how it can aid in conceptualizing PTSD, Complex Trauma, Personality Disorders (i.e. BPD, NPD, HPD), and Dissociative Disorders.
To understand how disorders once conceptualized through the lens of internal systems can offer clarity and direction for treatment.
To understand the three phase treatment model, and various interventions for each phase to build stability, safety, process trauma, and develop collaborative and integrative experiences.
To understand the therapeutic relationship through the lens of dissociative processes including attachment, transference, countertransference, re-enactments, and projective identification.
To understand foundational principles for working with various defenses of an internal system including protector parts, child parts, perpetrator parts, and high risk clinical presentations of self harm and suicide.
To engage in practicums, case studies, and consultation to garner experiences applying what is being learned and aid with internalization of skills and information.
-
Kierstie Cameron
LPC, NCC, EMDR AC & Trainer
Owner & Clinician at Compass Consulting, LLC which is a private practice in Colorado Springs that specializes in complex trauma & dissociative disorders.
-
John Favara
LPC
Clinician at Compass Consulting, LLC specializing in the treatment of complex trauma and dissociative disorders.
Registration Requirments
In order to register for this training, you must be working towards or have at least a Masters degree in a related mental health field.
To Register email Kierstie@compasscos.com
Compass Consulting, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7443. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Compass Consulting, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
