The Dissociation Spectrum: Pathological through Psychospiritual (2 CE)

Course Title: The Dissociation Spectrum: Pathological through Psychospiritual (2 CE)

Credits: 2

Target Audience: Psychologists, Counselors, Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists

Course Level: Intermediate

Content By: David Hartman, LCSW

Bio: David Hartman, LCSW is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Washington and co-founder of The Wellness Institute.  David earned his Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Washington. During his career, he has specialized in trauma resolution and the use of altered consciousness for healing and spiritual growth.

Course Format: Asynchronous Video (2 hours)

Course Description:

This course delves into the "dissociation spectrum," spanning from pathological to psychospiritual forms of dissociative experiences. Common or "normal" dissociation is positioned between these two extremes. The core psychological aspect in all spectrum experiences is an altered sense of self. Differentiation across the spectrum involves analyzing two types of dissociative phenomena: detachment and compartmentalization. Pathological altered sense of self, seen as depersonalization or derealization in the DSM-5-TR, resides at one end. We will explore this end of the spectrum through the framework of Trauma-related Structural Dissociation of the Personality. Conversely, the psycho-spiritually altered sense of self can lead to a state of nondual awareness or ego dissolution, which is often considered the culminating stage of psychospiritual development. We will review techniques such as mindfulness and metacognition for treating pathological dissociation and, paradoxically, the refinement of psychospiritual forms of dissociation.

Learning Objectives:

1.            Define the “dissociation spectrum” ranging from pathological to “normal” to psychospiritual forms of dissociative experience.

2.            Explain how detachment can manifest as a fragmented self-identity in pathological dissociation or as an expanded and all-inclusive self-identity in psychospiritual dissociation.

3.            Summarize how Trauma-related Structural Dissociation of the Personality conceptualizes the partitioning of one's personality into a functioning normal personality and a traumatized emotional personality.

4.            Define the following psychospiritual forms of dissociation and how they alter one’s self-identity to enhance self-transcendence: decentering, disidentification, de-automatizing, and quieting the mind.

Agenda:

Part 1:

Introduction and Course Outline (0:00-2:55)
Altered Sense of Self (2:55-21:50)

Pathological and Common Forms of Dissociation (21:50-36:12)

Structural Dissociation of the Personality (36:12-49:30)

The Physical and Social Dimensions of the Self (49:30-54:15)

Diagnosis and Treatment (54:15-57:22)

Part 2:

Diagnosis and Treatment (0:00-16:50)

Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Dissociation (16:50-23:15)

“Altered Sense of Self” and Psychospiritual Dissociation (23:15-51:30)

Mindfulness and Nondual Consciousness (51:30-1:04)

Continuing Education Course Requirements:

Attendees must watch the entire asynchronous video and score at least 75% on the post-test to meet the requirements of the course.
At the conclusion of the training, you will fill out a course evaluation in your online student account. This is required in order to earn your CE credit.
 

CE Certificate: After successfully completing all the requirements of the course, you will be able to access your CE certificate in your online student account.

Distance Learning Description

This course is delivered asynchronously. Students must be able to access our Learning Management System (via computer, tablet, etc) to participate in this course.

System Requirements:

Internet: broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE)

Supported browsers:

• Windows: Internet Explorer 11+, Edge 12+, Firefox 27+, Chrome 30+
• macOS: Safari 7+, Firefox 27+, Chrome 30+
• Linux: Firefox 27+. Chrome 30+
   

Board Approvals:

This program is approved for 2 CE by the FL Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Mental Health Counseling Professionals. CE Broker Tracking #20-1025292

The Wellness Institute 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-0132.