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Complex dissociative disorders, including dissociative identity disorder and DDNOS / OSDD, are possible long term effects of a history of chronic traumatisation beginning in early childhood. They have been shown to be more common than previously thought and yet they are still often unrecognised,

This four module Foundation course takes place over four days on 12th & 13th May and 9th & 10th June 2016.  It is primarily for counsellors, psychotherapists, clinical psychologists and other professionals working therapeutically with chronically traumatised clients who have a (diagnosed or not yet recognised) complex dissociative disorder.  Participants attending all four modules will have gained a solid foundation on which to build their continuing professional development in a critical knowledge and skills set for recognsiing and working effectively with the many highly dissociative chronically traumatised individuals who present in NHS mental health and other therapy settings.   The course recognises and builds on participants existing knowledge and skills to increase confidence in identifying and working with this client group. 

Day 1 is also suitable for other mental and general health and social care professionals and anyone else whose work includes supporting vulnerable adults in any setting as some of your clients are likley to also have a complex dissociative disorder which affects your work with them.  Non-abusing partners, family, friends and other informal supporters may also benefit from attending Day 1.  Some survivors who have a complex dissociative disorder, at certain stages of recovery, may find Day 1 a useful psychoeducational experience.  However, the content may be upsetting and potentially triggering.  Self-care and self-responsibility will be an expectation of all attending the course.

A limited number of partial ESTD-UK bursaries and one full FPP bursary is available for those meeting set criteria.  If you apply for a bursary DO NOT BOOK YOUR PLACE until after you receive confirmation that a bursary has been awarded. Successful bursary applicants will be sent a discount code to use when booking so that the bursary is deducted from the fees you pay.   For further details about bursaries and how to apply scroll down.  

Participants undertaking all 4 modules will be able to: 

• Be equipped with basic theoretical knowledge of dissociation & and the dissociative conditions
• Understand the developmental origins of dissociation, its effects and its role in surviving abuse and trauma
• Recognise different categories & levels of dissociation and their relationship, similarities and differences with other aspects of mental health  
• Use tools for initial screening and have an outline understanding of a protocol for assessment
• Understand the core components & stages of treatment
• Draw on a range of treatment strategies
• Be equipped for multi disciplinary work.
• Be more confident in supporting those affected by dissociation
• Enhance their knowledge & understanding by learning from experts by experience
• Access material via a DVD to inform colleagues and others using a cascade model
• Be equipped to move on to post-foundation training provided by ESTD UK

The four modules are:-

DAY 1: Trauma-related Complex Dissociation - Origins & Consequences         

Trainers : Melanie Goodwin & Kathryn Livingston (First Person Plural)

Learning objectives: By the end of the day, participants will have:

• A raised awareness of dissociation and its role in surviving abuse or trauma.
• Been introduced to the dissociation continuum and the spectrum of dissociative disorders, including dissociative identity / multiple personalities.
• Explored practical ways of supporting people who experience disabling dissociation.
• Expanded their understanding of all of the above from the survivor’s perspective

Entry requirements:

• No prior knowledge of dissociation is required for this workshop which is suitable for anyone coming into contact with persons living with dissociation.
• Those with prior knowledge / training / experience in working with trauma & dissociation at any level are also strongly advised to take this unique experts-by-experience led module to broaden and deepen their knowledge and understanding.

DAY 2: Developmental origins of dissociation in childhood

Trainer: Dr Renee Marks, Consultant therapist specialising in children & adolescents

Learning objectives: By the end of the day, participants will understand:

• The development of self in the infant.
• The impact of the disorganized attachment on the developing self
• The impact of childhood trauma with specific reference to complex trauma.
• How children defend themselves against the disorganized attachment and childhood trauma.

Entry requirements:

• Attendance on Day 1 is required if you have little or no previous knowledge and/or training in trauma and dissociation.
• Attendance on Day 1 is strongly advised for those who have prior knowledge / training.

This module is suitable for: anyone wanting an introduction to the origins of dissociation in childhood; those who work with or care for traumatised children; those who work with or care for traumatised adults; those who work in fostering or adoption.

DAY 3: An Introduction to Assessment & Treatment

Trainer : Dr Renee Marks, Consultant Therapist

Learning Objectives: By the end of the day, participants will

• Understand the continuum from everyday dissociation (altered consciousness) to Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
• Be familiar with the use of screening instruments and their scoring as well as an understanding of the main Assessment Tool.
• Be clear about the reasons that may necessitate the use of these instruments.

• Be aware of the key components and stages of therapy as well as the effective use (when necessary) of a multi disciplinary team.

Entry requirements

• Attendance on Day 1 is required if you have little or no previous knowledge and/or training in trauma and dissociation.
• Attendance on Day 1 is strongly advised for those who have prior knowledge / training.

It is suitable for participants with or without prior experience of working with trauma and dissociation. It is especially suitable for those whose role includes the assessment of mental health conditions.

DAY 4: Resources & resourcing : using a body-centred approach to working with

trauma and dissociation

Trainer: Lyn Terry-Short, Chartered Psychologist with 20 years experience in NHS

Learning objectives: By the end of the day, participants will have:

• a working model based on neuro-biological theories of trauma and dissociation;
• an understanding of the importance of safely attending to the body;
• a range of resources to enhance client work
• experienced the use and understood the impact of somatic resources on their work with complex clients;
• had the opportunity to share and discuss integration of body-centred resources in practice

Entry requirements:

• Attendance on Day 1 is required if you have little or no previous knowledge and/or training in trauma and dissociation.
• Attendance on Day 1 is strongly advised for those who have prior knowledge / training.
• Attendance on Day 2 and/or 3 is preferred for entry onto this module whatever your level of previous knowledge or experience.

This module is suitable for anyone in the statutory, voluntary or private sector whose work brings them into contact with individuals whose lives may be affected by childhood trauma and dissociation.

Particicipants will receive a Certificate of Attendance for 5 hours of CPD for each module attended

BURSARIES :

For each module four x £25.00 ESTD-UK bursaries are available for qualifying applicants.  For further details and a bursary application form send an email to sandra@sandrabuck.co.uk.

Also available is one full bursary for a current or newly joining ASSOCIATE member of First Person Plural  to attend the full course of 4 modules.  To enquire about this FPP bursary contact fpp@firstpersonplural.org.uk

If applying for either of above bursaries DO NOT book your place until after your bursary has been confirmed.  If you are awarded a bursary you will be given a discount code to enter when booking.

Booking administration for this ESTD-UK course is being managed by Kathryn Livingston of First Person Plural in her capacity as a member of the ESTD-UK training group.