Diagnosing and Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

NASW Iowa

9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

This workshop is designed for social workers and other front-line staff as a relevant, down-to-earth guide in recognizing, diagnosing, and treating clients who meet the criteria of dissociative identity disorder.

Clinicians are often too cautious about asking the right questions when assessing new clients, or believe the condition is rare, and as a result are not alert to clues presented to them by clients who experience this extreme form of dissociation. It is also true that clients with DID are reluctant to reveal the reality of their situation unless they feel confident that they will be acknowledged and respected. Unless properly diagnosed and specifically treated for DID, these individuals will be unlikely to improve their functioning.

Using case studies and video clips, the presenter describes the process of accurately diagnosing DID. He then sketches out the map of an eleven-step treatment process that can be implemented within the constraints of underfunded community mental health settings, as well as in private practice.

The presenter emphasizes how self-care takes on a new meaning, as clinicians must acknowledge and actively work on their own trauma issues. Otherwise, clinicians will experience the damaging effects of secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue, countertransference will occur, and clients with DID will be harmed.

Upon completion of this workshop participants will be able to:

incorporate dissociative-related enquiries into initial assessments to differentiate DID from other disorders in order to make an accurate diagnosis;
understand and be prepared to utilize an eleven-step treatment process for clients with DID; and
be aware of significant challenges involved in this work, including the risk of compassion fatigue and countertransference.

4 CEUs available

Register for Diagnosing and Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder

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Tags: virtual continuing education webinar chapter iowa

Diagnosing and Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

NASW Iowa

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