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In this workshop you will learn to identify, formulate and work with dissociation across disorders as well as with different symptoms of dissociation in a given case.
Dissociation within and between self-states
The cognitive model of dissociation (Kennedy et al 2004, 2013) shows how dissociative processes affect perception, experience, and sense of self. Adversity in childhood, particularly where the child is helpless, can create dissociative responding to adapt to our context. However, it can mean we have reduced awareness, acceptance and control/choice over ourselves.
At the perceptual level (level 1), we can experience spacing out (failure to process any information), and intrusive imagery. At the experiential level (level 2), within-mode dissociation means we can become unable to think, feel, respond physically, or carry out certain behaviours, as well as intrusions in each of these areas (intrusive thoughts, feelings, behaviours, physical responses). At the personality level (level 3) dissociation between modes allows us to hold contradictory or hostile self-states with reduced awareness, control and ‘ownership’ of these ways of being in the world.
The course demonstrates how the cognitive model of dissociation can be used to formulate the extent of structural dissociation of self-states and work to reduce this. We also present our new scale (in development) to assess dissociation between self-states.
By increasing our awareness of the different modes which make up our repertoire of self-states (our personality), we can begin to develop a compassionate observing self, involving acceptance of our-selves in all our manifestations and learning with the therapist to exercise control/choice over who and how we want to be.
Assessing self-states
We will share the established Wessex Dissociation Scale (WDS) scale, and also the D-ISS (currently in development) to measure dissociation between self-states. The scale is a 25-item 5-factor measure of Awareness, Acceptance, Control, Integration and Difference/Distance regarding a client’s self-states. It has already demonstrated a good factor structure and internal reliability. It can be used in assessment and as a before and after outcome measure.
We will also discuss other ways of assessing dissociation at each level and ‘mapping the system’ using communication books, diaries, artwork, play therapy techniques. Clients are asked to survey their friends and family (where safe to do so) regarding the different ways they can be in different contexts.
Validation and acceptance of all self-states is present from the therapist throughout assessment and treatment, whilst being careful not to approve or endorse abusive behaviours.
Intervening with dissociation
For levels 1 and 2, specific techniques from CBT and Third Wave therapies can be used to reduce dissociation. For level 3, mindfulness practices allow us to create and access a compassionate observing self, or an overarching perspective on all of our self-states. Mindfully observing and describing self-states together with our therapist helps us to develop perspective and a compassionate observing self. Techniques for change include introducing and normalising the concept of multiplicity and self-states to the client; creative descriptions and representation of self-states using art, poetry, music, journaling, scrapbooking, WhatsApp groups; commitment work from DBT/motivational interviewing/ACT creative helplessness… “why change and what are the obstacles?”; validation of each and every self-state's function in maintaining the client’s physical and social safety; ‘parts’ work, including chair work and gestalt, schema therapy techniques to facilitate communication between parts. You will receive takeaways from the workshop, which will include The WDS and D-ISS assessment scales, as well as a free article written by Dr Fiona Kennedy and Dr Helen Kennerley. This workshop is suitable for Psychologists, CBT therapists, Counsellors and EMDR therapists. Learning outcomes: • Understand the importance of dissociation and how to identify it • Understand the cognitive model of dissociation • Assess dissociation across different conditions • Formulate dissociation as part of a client’s presentation • Have some basic techniques for working with dissociation at each level • The WDS and D-ISS assessment scales
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An event booking cancelled between 14 and 7 days prior to the scheduled event will receive a 50% refund.
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