Titrated Healing of Trauma Memories and Principles of DID Treatment

Speaker

Robin Spiro LSCW

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Date & Time

January 25 from 11am -1 pm EST

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Type

Virtual (Zoom Video)

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Abstract 

The purpose of this Workshop is to engage in a deeper and more expansive exploration of the Enmeshment & Undeveloped Self Schema and to consider viable strategies and interactions for healing this Schema. This is a powerful core Schema that is experienced by many therapy patients and perhaps several the therapists who work with them. Unhealed, this Schema can be a deep pattern that undermines self-understanding, causes confusion, and provokes anxiety around forming close relationships and limits the ability to function in the world at full potential. Attention will be given to the ways in which the Schema is engendered in the family system and the impact of cultural variables that help inculcate this Schema. Emphasis will be placed on the 2 main unmet needs that foster Enmeshment and the Undeveloped Self: Attunement and Autonomy. These 2 needs will be explored and discussed in terms of how they contribute to the development of a strong sense of self and that when these 2 needs are not adequately met, a person is likely to struggle with an “Undeveloped Self.” We will consider how limited reparenting, a central way of being for a Schema Therapist, can help a person develop greater autonomy and a deeper awareness and value of one’s thoughts, emotions, and inclinations.

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Brief Overview 

Complex trauma clients often have difficulty staying within their window of tolerance, especially when thinking about and trying to share their trauma memories. There is a tendency to dissociate, avoid or become over-stimulated and even self-harming in the process. And yet there is a desperate need to escape from the impact these memories have on their current sense of safety and self-regard. Fortunately, there are a range of methods which have been developed to render Imagery Rescripting more tolerable and to pave the way for healing. In this workshop I introduce my “titration menu” and demonstrate techniques which ease the way. These methods include pendulation, fractionation, distancing techniques and containment among others. We will define and learn examples of each technique and also discuss how memory work can best attune to the underlying needs of the client. While we often focus on enhancing client safety, sometimes the most relevant client impact associated
with a memory is shame, self-blame, disgust, aloneness or betrayal. We will also cover aspects of psychoeducation which can be crucial in correcting client misattributions. In addition, treatment of Dissociative Identity Disorder shares a common conceptual framework with treatment of Complex Trauma. In the latter part of this workshop I will define similarities as well as differences and discuss strategies unique to treating DID.
 

BY THE END OF THIS WORKSHOP, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO

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1. Identity a variety of techniques to titrate memory treatment for complex trauma clients.

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2. Understand the range of impacts of traumatic experiences and the importance of addressing the underlying emotional needs of each.

3. Define unique aspects of treating DID patients as well as helpful
techniques.

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Biography 

Robin Spiro is a Schema Therapy Trainer and Supervisor for over 25 years with a specialty in treating Complex Trauma and Dissociative Disorders. She has lectured internationally on these topics and facilitates supervision groups concerning general trauma issues and specifically on treatment of Dissociative Identity Disorder. Using schema therapy as the foundation for trauma treatment, Robin also integrates concepts from other trauma treatment models, including EMDR, somatic therapies and internal family systems. Robin additionally chairs the International Society of Schema Therapy committee dedicated to the education and training of accredited supervisors.