Dissociation 101: The Basics

Dissociation is a normal response to overwhelming experiences and is a common capacity in animals. In the context of complex and development trauma, fragmentation of the personality can occur that results in treatment complexity. The course will help clinicians orient themselves to the standard of care required to treat those living with complex trauma and dissociative disorders.

Key Learning Objectives:

1. Identify Standard of Care: Gain a thorough understanding of the standard of care required for the treatment of dissociative disorders. Learn to navigate treatment complexities and ethical considerations while providing optimal care for individuals with complex trauma.

2. Evidence-Based Approaches: Identify evidence-based approaches and interventions for working with dissociative disorders. Explore innovative techniques and best practices to promote healing and integration in individuals affected by complex trauma.

Course admission requirements:

Minimum of a Master's Degree in a mental health or related field; or be a student in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field. In Low- and Middle-Income Countries, a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field is required.

MEET THE PRESENTER

Athena Phillips, LCSW, 

I completed my master's in social work from Portland State University, where I was the recipient of the Laurels Scholarship and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Following graduation, I worked as a medical social worker in the emergency department, medical floors and on an inpatient geriatric psychiatry unit. I started my private practice in 2007, which specialized in trauma and dissociative disorders. After five years of serving this population, the need for more holistic approaches to trauma that were safe and accessible to survivors became increasingly clear. In 2012 I started Integrative Trauma Treatment Center (ITTC), an outpatient mental health clinic housed in Portland, OR. ITTC offers continuing education which offers specialized trainings with a mission to include and elevate clinical voices from all over the world. My most recent endeavor was the launch of an online Trauma Coach Certification course that is designed to be globally accessible and culturally adaptable. This project was designed following trainings I facilitated in Rwanda that were an effort to provide a multicultural platform for clinicians to learn about other cultural lenses through which they could approach their work. My contribution in Rwanda extended to the development of mHub Rwanda, which is an outpatient mental health clinic that is run by Rwandans, for Rwandans. I continue to volunteer my services as a trauma consultant within the mHub community.