Description:
Much of what we hear in popular culture about dissociative disorders – and particularly, dissociative identity disorder – involves controversy and provocative media dramatizations. In this workshop, Gary Peterson dispels myths and explains dissociative disorders as identifiable clinical entities that can develop in response to severe childhood trauma. Dr. Peterson will provide guidance (and tools) on how to screen for dissociative disorders as part of an assessment, as well as treatment techniques for working with individuals who suffer from dissociative symptoms. Dr. Peterson will present case material to illustrate the assessment and treatment of individuals with dissociative identify disorder. Participants will deepen their understanding of this disorder and learn specific techniques to engage with clients’ alter egos to facilitate their unique healing journey.
Trainer:
Gary Peterson, MD, a resident faculty member and psychiatrist in independent clinical practice at the Southeast Institute, is board certified in both psychiatry and child psychiatry and has experience working with complex trauma and dissociation, EMDR, and energy psychotherapies. He held various faculty appointments over more than 20 years at UNC Chapel Hill in psychiatry, psychology, and at the Center for Developmental Science and Research, with previous appointments in psychiatry at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, and the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute. He has published extensively on dissociative disorders, particularly in children, and frequently consults, trains, and supervises on related topics. He cofounded the North Carolina Triangle Society for the Study of Dissociation, served as liaison to the Dissociative Disorders Work Group for APA Task Force on DSM-IV, and receives frequent accolades for his work, including the Distinguished Achievement Award and the President’s Award of Distinction by the International Society for the Study of Dissociation.
Resources:
Clinical Lecture Series at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work