In this presentation Dr Dion Nowoweiski will be presenting what has been referred to as one of the most interesting and moving examples of long-term psychodynamic therapy with a severely fragile patient who had experienced severe childhood abuse from an early age. Using the principles of ISTDP, Dion will present key moments that occurred during the course of treatment that illustrate the transformative power of an integrative therapy approach and changes that occur in both the therapist and patient throughout the work.
Video from actual therapy sessions will be used to demonstrate how to help build a cohesive internal structure in a person who had been living in a fragmented state as a result of the severe childhood trauma. The videos will illustrate the therapist’s efforts to help the patient understand and focus on internal phenomenon and to become more capable of experiencing unprocessed emotions (and impulses). This required patience and persistence from the therapist and patient so that over time the level of trust that developed between the two could become an instrumental component of the therapy.
Parts of the video demonstrate the way Dion explored her sexualized rage impulses, which many therapists find difficult (which is understandable). The result of the work illustrates how the previously fragmented pieces (i.e., the split off aspects of the patient’s unconscious) could be integrated into a more cohesive structure. This presentation benefits from including direct feedback from the patient who watched the vignettes and provided their reflection on the different videos to be viewed. This is a rare addition to demonstrations and provides an amazing insight into the patient’s own experience.
Confidentiality Agreement
To be eligible to attend this presentation you must be a registered mental health professional (e.g., HCPC registration) or currently undertaking a postgraduate degree in a university psychology program. Prior exposure to ISTDP is not required but is recommended. To ensure the confidentiality of the case material presented your attendance will be contingent on these conditions:
You are a registered mental health professional
You agree to maintain the confidentiality of any persons shown in the presentation
You agree not to video or audio record any part of this presentation
Purchase of a ticket is based on agreeing to the above terms
