101 | Recognizing Dissociative Symptoms in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Health Disorders

Dissociative symptoms often go undetected by psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, and medical professionals. Knowledge of how dissociative symptoms present in clients with PTSD dissociative subtype, Complex PTSD, Dissociative Identity Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Food and Eating Disorders, and Substance Use Disorders, can be of immense help in detecting possible trauma, even if the client is unaware of a trauma history. This workshop will examine the DSM-5-TR dissociative symptoms of dissociative amnesia, depersonalization/derealization, identity confusion, and identity alteration. The BASK model of dissociation, which is an acronym for Behavior (B), Affect (A), Sensation (S), and Knowledge (K), will also be presented. Information will be delivered on how therapists can use dissociation to help clients contain intrusive trauma symptoms, such as flashbacks, overwhelming emotions, nightmares, and more, and how it can aid in trauma processing.