Supervision
On July 8 and 9, 2011, as well as November 25 and 26, 2011, there will be supervision meetings in Amsterdam. Language: English. Information and registration: Elin Maehle, emaehle@gmail.com
Diagnosis and treatment of
Trauma-related dissociation of the personality
Four-day course with Ellert Nijenhuis
Abstract
This course presents the theory of structural dissociation and an associated psychology of
action, as well as their application in the various treatment phases of chronically traumatized
individuals. The theory hypothesizes that traumatisation divides the biopsychosocial system
that constitutes an individual’s personality. The basic division is between biopsychosocial
action systems that direct us in functions of daily life (e.g., attachment, play, exploration) and
reproduction (i.e., survival of the species), and in an action system that directs us in animaldefence
like reactions to major threat (i.e., survival of the individual), and/or an action system
for attachment. In chronic traumatisation, structural dissociation becomes ever more
complex and fixed.
The course highlights the breakdown of integrative actions during traumatisation that causes
structural dissociation, describes mental and behavioural actions that maintain structural
dissociation, as well as mental and behavioural actions that are typically wanting in chronic
trauma survivors. Integrative actions needed to resolve structural dissociation and become
more efficient in meeting daily life challenges will be detailed and discussed. Phase-oriented
treatment is primarily framed in terms of overcoming specific trauma-related phobias.
Phase 1 is geared toward overcoming phobias of trauma-derived mental and behavioural
actions, of dissociative parts of the personality, and of attachment and attachment loss with
the therapist. Phase 2 is foremost directed toward overcoming the phobia of traumatic
memories, and phobias related to insecure attachment to perpetrator(s). In Phase 3,
treatment is focused on overcoming phobias of normal life, healthy risk-taking and change,
and intimacy. In clinical practice, these phases are flexible and recursive.
The course includes didactics on theory, research, assessment, and treatment. Techniques for
each treatment phase will be discussed and demonstrated using video presentations, live
demonstrations, and practical exercises.
About Ellert Nijenhuis
Ellert R.S. Nijenhuis, Ph.D. ( www.enijenhuis.nl) , is a psychologist, psychotherapist, and
researcher. He received his Ph.D. with the highest honours at the Medical Department of the
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam for his book: Somatoform dissociation: Phenomena,
measurement, and theoretical issues [reprint: W.W. Norton, New York/London].
He works at the Top Referent Trauma Centre of Mental Health Care Drenthe, Assen, The
Netherlands, where he engages in the diagnosis and treatment of severely traumatized
patients. He performs his innovating scientific research at this hospital, and collaborates with
the University of Groningen, London, and Zürich, as well as several clinics.
His empirical and experimental research addresses the psychology and psychobiology of
chronic traumatisation and dissociation. He has written many clinical and scientific articles,
book chapters, and he provides presentations, workshops, and courses. He is a former
member of the Executive Council of the ISST-D. In 2005, together with Helga Matthess, he
founded Psychotraumatology Institute Europe, PIE
November 2006 witnessed the release of the book The haunted self: Structural dissociation
and the treatment of chronic traumatization, authored by Onno van der Hart, Ellert Nijenhuis
and Kathy Steele ( W.W. Norton, New York/London. )
Course length: 4 Days. January 10th- 14th 2012
(January 12th day off)
Start time 08.45. Finish time 19.00
Location: The coastal town of Mount Lavinia, 12 kilometers south of the City of Colombo and
54 kilometers from the Bandaranaike International Airport. Hotel Mount Lavinia ****
(www.mountlaviniahotel.com) is easy to reach, yet away from the congestion of the capital.
It is situated atop a rock and looks over the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean.
Course fee: 700 €uro, including welcome dinner, four lunches and refreshments.
Accommodation at Hotel Mount Lavinia is not included. Double room for two persons:
approximately $ 130/night. Single supplement.
Reservations and rates
www.mountlaviniahotel.com
Information and course registration:
Contact Eva Hedenstedt,
Wise Mind AB, Sweden,
eva@wisemind.se
+46 702652575,
+46 90774735
www.wisemind.se
Last day to register September 30th 2011 |
