COMPLEX-PTSD / DISSOCIATION CONSULTATION GROUPS

Denise Gelinas, PhD and I are pleased to continue co-leading two case consultation groups focusing exclusively on the assessment and treatment of patients with dissociative disorders.

The  First Group is for EMDR clinicians with a level of experience the theory of the structural dissociation of the personality and EMDR therapy in the treatment of people with dissociative disorders.  Participants are asked to be familiar with concepts from the theory of the structural dissociation of the personality, as found in  Treating Trauma-Related Dissociation: A Practical, Integrative Approach (2017), by Steele, Boon, and Van der Hart.  A briefer exposition of this theory is presented in, Van der Hart, O., Nijenhuis, E., & Steele, K. (2005). “Dissociation: An Insufficiently Recognized Major Feature of Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.” Journal of Traumatic Stress, Vol 18, No. 5. October, pp 413-423. (referenced copies available upon request).

The  Second Group is for clinicians who are very highly experienced in treating dissociative patients as well as the use of EMDR therapy. This group will continue to explore the integration of structural theory, EMDR therapy, and other approaches to treatment of these patients.

Both of these groups present an opportunity to  take consultation from an internationally recognized expert on dissociative disorders and EMDR. Denise Gelinas has authored several papers on the effects of trauma, including the first paper describing the association between child sexual abuse and adult PTSD, and a paper specifically describing the integration of EMDR in the phase oriented treatment of trauma. Dr. Gelinas was a member of the International Society for the Study of Trauma task force that wrote the official guidelines for the treatment of adult Dissociative Identity Disorder, in 2005 and 2011.

II. INTEGRATING EMDR IN THE TREATMENT OF C-PTSD & OTHER DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS – 3rd Thursday of the Month

This group is designed for clinicians who are very familiar with the treatment of dissociative disorders and with the practice of EMDR therapy.  Now in its 13th year, the coming cycle of this group will continue to explore and discover ways to integrate EMDR therapy to effectively support the healing of clients suffering with trauma-related dissociation.

Our plan for this year is to remind participants of one or more concepts or procedures from structural theory and/or EMDR, and to ask participants for their experience with the concept/procedure. In other words, the emphasis during our non-case discussion portion of each session will be on participants’ current level of understanding and development. The ultimate aim is to assist you to identify the leading edge of your development and to advance further.

Meets: 2024: 9/, 10/, 11/, 12/; 2025: 1/, 2/, 3/, 4/, 5/, 6/. (June date is optional)

Time: 8 AM to 10 AM

Location:  Group to meet via Zoom Video

Format: 30 minute didactic presentation each month; 90 minutes of in discussion and consultation.

Didactic Content:  A variety of topics from the theory of structural dissociation and beyond will be identified by the leaders. Participants will be asked to volunteer their experiences and reflections with these by now familiar concepts, practices and procedures, e.g., dissociative phobias, pathogenic kernels, synthesis & realization, fractionated &restricted processing, “conference room” procedures, psychological testing (MID, DES-II, SDQ-20, etc.),

Case Discussion: Participants will raise issues from their cases to for discussion and consultation.

Openings 1 openings for 2024-2025

Fee: $85.00per session PLEASE NOTE: Participants agree to pay for all sessions regardless of attendance (except for the optional June Meeting).

To Inquire or Register: eMail GeorgeAbbott@comcast.net