An Introduction to
Dissociation
in Complex Trauma
Gain a practical introduction to the assessment and treatment of trauma-related dissociation. This workshop explores common clinical presentations, key definitions of dissociation, phase-oriented treatment, and structural dissociation, with a focus on stabilization, regulation, treatment readiness, and supporting greater internal cooperation. Participants will leave with clinically relevant principles and strategies they can begin applying in practice.
Presented by Kathy Steele, MN, CS, APRN
Past President and Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD). Kathy Steele has received a number of awards for her work, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from ISSTD.
An Introduction to Dissociation in Complex Trauma
Kathy Steele, MN, CS, APRN
11:00 AM - 1:15 PM Eastern Time
Live Online via Zoom
Introductory
1 YEAR access to the recording
Workshop Description
This introductory workshop provides an integrative overview of the assessment and treatment of trauma-related dissociation. Participants will examine common clinical presentations and misconceptions, as well as the relationship between trauma, attachment, emotional regulation, and dissociative symptoms. This workshop will review the four primary ways dissociation is defined in the clinical literature and explore how each conceptualization may influence case formulation, treatment planning, and clinical intervention.
Participants will be introduced to a phase-oriented treatment model for dissociative disorders, including the primary goals and clinical tasks associated with each phase. Attention will be given to determining treatment priorities based on client stability, readiness, and current functioning, while also considering the similarities and differences between phase-oriented treatment and other psychotherapeutic approaches.
This workshop will also introduce the theory of structural dissociation, with a focus on recognizing dissociative parts, internal conflict, and patterns of phobic avoidance. Participants will learn foundational principles for supporting internal cooperation and integration, along with introductory approaches for improving stabilization, emotional regulation, and present-day functioning.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
✔ Describe the four (4) ways dissociation is described, along with treatment differences
✔ Identify at least two (2) specific treatment principles important to effective work with structural dissociation
✔ Explain ways to view and work with the client as a whole person, while working with various dissociative parts
Who should attend
✔ Psychologists, Social Workers, Psychotherapists, MFTs, LPCs, graduate-level Counselors, other mental health professionals
✔ Therapists wanting to strengthen their approach to complex trauma treatment
✔ Therapists wanting clinical tools for working with dissociation
How To Reserve Your Spot:
Please read the following information carefully
We are pleased to offer two registration options for this workshop:
Please select the option that best fits your availability when completing your registration
***Only select one (1) option.
Option 1: Live Worrkshop + 1-Year Recording Access
Participate in the live, interactive session and receive one year of access to the full workshop recording and materials
Please register for the live workshop only if you are able to attend in real time as live attendance is limited and spaces are reserved
for participants who are available to attend live via Zoom on September 29th, 2026.
Option 2: Recording-Only Access
If you are unable to attend the live session, you may register for recording-only access. This option provides one year of on-demand
access to the full workshop recording and materials including a certificate of completion.
The Envision Difference
100% Online via Zoom
Live Q&A with
Kathy Steele
1 year access to the recording and materials
Certificate with CE's for home study version
Practical applicable clinical learning
Workshop Schedule - Eastern Time (ET)
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
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introductory overview of the treatment of trauma-related dissociation
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Common clinical presentations and misconceptions
-
The relationship between trauma, attachment, regulation, and dissociative symptoms
-
Review of the four primary ways dissociation is defined in the literature
-
Overview of the phase-oriented treatment model
-
Primary goals and clinical tasks within each phase
-
Similarities to and differences from other psychotherapeutic approaches
-
Determining treatment priorities based on client stability and readiness
12:00 pm - 12:15 pm
Break
12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
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Introduction to the theory of structural dissociation
-
Recognizing dissociative parts, internal conflict, and phobic avoidance
-
Basic principles for supporting internal cooperation and integration
-
Foundational approaches for improving stabilization, regulation, and present-day functioning
-
Summary of key principles and treatment considerations
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Clinical takeaways for immediate application
Continuing Education (CE) Credits:
2 CE credits/contact hours awarded
*CE credits also available for the home study version (watching the recording)!
See our FAQ section below for more information
American Psychological Association (APA)
Envision Counselling & Consulting, Inc. is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Envision Counselling & Consulting, Inc. maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Association of Social Work Board (ASWB)
Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program.
Envision Counselling and Consulting, Inc., #1895, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 1/19/2025-1/19/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 2 clinical continuing education credits.
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Envision Counselling and Consulting has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7241. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Envision Counselling and Consulting is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)
Envision Counselling & Consulting, Inc. is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Envision Counselling & Consulting, Inc. maintains responsibility for the program.
Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
Envision Counselling & Consulting, Inc. is approved by the Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) to sponsor continuing education. This workshop is approved for 2 CEC.
NAADAC,The Association for Addiction Professionals - Pending CEs
Please ensure to check with your individual state boards/regulatory body to verify Continuing Education Credit Hours requirements and if the workshop you are planning to take qualifies. Licensing Boards change regulations often and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about a specific course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly to obtain a ruling.
About Kathy Steele, MN, CS, APRN
Kathy Steele has been in private practice since 1985, and with Metropolitan Psychotherapy Associates in Atlanta, Georgia since 1988. She was Clinical Director of Metropolitan Counseling Services, a non- profit psychotherapy and training center until 2016. She is a Past President and Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), and has also served two terms on the Board of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS). Kathy served on the International Task Force that developed treatment guidelines for Dissociative Disorders, and on the Joint International Task Force that has developed treatment guidelines for Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. She has received a number of awards for her work, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from ISSTD, an Emory University Distinguished Alumni Award, and the Cornelia B. Wilbur Award for Outstanding Clinical Contributions from ISSTD. Kathy has (co)authored numerous book chapters, peer reviewed journal articles, and three books with her colleagues.