Where’d You Go? Exploring Dissociation and Countertransference in Psychotherapy
This course examines dissociative experiences and the nuanced dynamics of countertransference within psychotherapy, highlighting practical approaches through case examples.
This 2-day course will provide an in-depth look at the “dissociative spectrum” and explore therapeutic strategies for recognizing and working with dissociation in clients. Through two case examples, participants will analyze instances of mutual dissociation in couples and transferential relationships. The course aims to illustrate key patterns, therapeutic interventions, and potential cycles that sustain dissociation in clinical practice. Guided by a liberation-based and holistic framework, participants will engage in interactive discussion and case analysis, learning to effectively respond to dissociative presentations and manage their own countertransference.
Session Outlines and Times:
Introduction — Overview of the Dissociative Spectrum
Define dissociation, its prevalence, and identify when it may be considered diagnosable.
Case Example: “D & W — Couple’s Mutual Dissociation as Coping”
Explore the case of a couple presenting mutual dissociative coping, characterized by cycles of projection, charged affect, and dissociative unawareness.
Discuss the therapist’s interventions and the key moment that broke the dissociative cycle.
Case Example: “TB — Transferential Relationship in Service of Dissociation”
Examine a case where a transferential relationship maintains dissociation through an identity of “damsel in distress.”
Discuss the therapist’s interventions, the challenges in breaking the cycle, and the therapeutic growth that emerges despite it.
Summary and Group Discussion
Review key points, reflect on the role of countertransference in therapy with dissociative clients, and engage in Q & A.
Share insights from the liberation-based, holistic perspective in understanding and treating dissociation.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Define and identify the range of dissociative phenomena along a spectrum from normative to pathological.
Recognize signs of dissociative coping in individuals and couples, with an understanding of mutual dissociation in relational dynamics.
Describe how countertransference impacts therapeutic interventions with dissociative clients.
Apply a liberation-based approach to foster grounded and holistic care in their work with dissociative experiences.
Cost: $75
Course Length: 4 Contact hours (4 hours total); CEU’s and certificate offered upon completion of survey and evaluation.
Cancellation/Refund Policy: We do not offer refunds when you cancel. If our instructor cancels, a full refund will be issued within 3-5 business days.
If you have any further questions about the workshop, please don't hesitate to reach out to our business office at: office@liberationbasedtherapy.com
Liberation-Based Therapy LCSW, PLLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0861.
Dagem Lemma, LCSW (he/him)
Dagem Lemma, LMSW (he/him) received his Masters in Social Work from New York University. He has worked at NY Health and Hospitals and Visiting Nurse Services before devoting time to individual and group psychotherapy at LBT. His specialties are men's issues and immigrant concerns.
