Conference Presentations by Katherine Reuben
ISTSS 36th Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA, 2020
Individuals with complex dissociative disorders constitute a highly traumatized population with c... more Individuals with complex dissociative disorders constitute a highly traumatized population with complicated treatment needs. However, a lack of training may render healthcare professionals unable to recognize dissociation, choose effective treatment, or provide accurate information to clients. The Dissociative Disorders Therapy Study interviewed and conducted thematic analysis on responses from an international sample of 33 adults with complex dissociative disorders in order to understand their therapy experiences. Participants discussed how difficulty finding therapists to diagnose and treat their dissociation impeded their healing. Negative therapy experiences were the norm and included therapists disbelieving participants, discouraging them from acknowledging dissociative symptoms or traumatic memories, and providing misinformation that confused participants and contributed to shame and self-blame. These experiences made it difficult for participants to trust professionals, accept their diagnosis, or believe in their ability to heal. In many cases, it took years with a supportive and knowledgeable therapist to undo this damage. It is important for healthcare professionals to not only be well educated about complex dissociative disorders but also be aware of how previous therapy experiences may have negatively impacted clients in order to fully address clients’ needs.
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Books by Katherine Reuben
Perspectives of Dissociative Identity Response: Ethical, Historical, and Cultural Issues, 2022
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Conference Presentations by Katherine Reuben
Books by Katherine Reuben