People with severe dissociative disorders (dissociative identity disorder and dissociative disorder not otherwise specified, DID) are a complex and often undertreated target group. Their problems are complex, heterogeneous, and often characterized by prolonged traumatization, persistent avoidance, fluctuating states of consciousness, and a fragmented self-image.

In clinical practice, treatment is usually carried out in phases. In recent years, integrated and easily applicable treatment models have been developed within schema therapy that offer many possibilities for this target group in particular.

In this course, you will learn how to use schema therapy with people who have severe dissociative symptoms and how to work with clients to identify and break through entrenched internal patterns and recurring interaction dynamics.

Subscribe

Content

Schema therapy is an evidence-based treatment for personality disorders and complex trauma and has recently also been researched and proven effective in severe dissociative disorders, including DID.

This course focuses on the schema modes model as a framework for understanding dissociative phenomena and comorbid symptoms and treating them in a targeted manner. Dissociative parts are approached as modes that are related to early childhood experiences and coping strategies. You will learn how to draw up a thorough schema therapy case conceptualization for severe dissociation and translate this into concrete interventions.

The course consists of two days of classes with a mix of theory, clinical examples, demonstrations, and practicing specific skills in small groups. You will develop specific schema therapy skills through role-playing, peer feedback, and observations by the instructors.

Topics covered:

• Dealing with dissociation and avoidance in the session
• Trauma treatment with gradual imagery rescripting
• Working with punitive and aggressive modes
• Repairing child modes
• Adjusting coping modes to a healthier way of dealing with feelings, needs, and others
• Encouraging autonomy and meaning
• Self-care for therapists working with this target group

Who is the course intended for?

This course is intended for (mental health) psychologists, clinical psychologists, psychotherapists, and other mental health professionals who work with clients with severe dissociative symptoms and complex trauma.

The course is in-depth in nature. You therefore have a basic knowledge of schema therapy and are registered as a senior schema therapist or have completed the basic and advanced courses and 40 supervisions. You also have experience in treating complex issues.

What will you learn in the course? 

After completing the course:

• Have you gained knowledge about the latest scientific findings on the characteristics of dissociative identity disorder?
• Have you gained knowledge about the treatment of dissociative identity disorder with schema therapy?
• Are you able to apply case conceptualization?
• Have you learned to deal with dissociation and avoidance using schema therapy techniques?
• Have you learned to apply trauma treatment using gradual imagery rescripting?
• Have you learned to deal with punitive/aggressive parts using schema therapy techniques?
• Have you learned to deal with child modes and coping modes using schema therapy techniques?
• Can you encourage healthy adults, make clients jointly responsible, and stimulate their own commitment and growth toward autonomy and meaning?
• Have you learned to take care of yourself in schema therapy treatment for a complex target group? 

Required literature

• Psyflix series: “Schema Therapy for DID.” Episodes 1 through 8. (Total study time: 2 hours of e-learning). You will receive access to this one week prior to the course.
• Scientific articles will be provided during the course in the digital learning environment.