Some of our most challenging work is with clients who have suffered from trauma – and when a client dissociates, that work can become even more complex.
The way we approach a client’s dissociation may vary based on what triggered it.
In the video below, Bethany Brand, PhD, will share the clues she looks for when distinguishing between two triggers for dissociation – shame and terror. She’ll also walk us through the steps she takes when working with each.
Have a listen.
You can hear more about how to work with dissociation (even when it’s subtle) from Bethany Brand, PhD – along with Bessel van der Kolk, MD; Pat Ogden, PhD; Peter Levine, PhD; Stephen Porges, PhD; and other top experts – in the Advanced Master Program on the Treatment of Trauma.
Now we’d like to hear from you. How might you put these techniques into practice when working with a client who dissociates? Please leave a comment below and let us know.
If you found this helpful, here are a few more resources you might be interested in:
[Infographic] – Three Warning Signs of Structural Dissociation
[Infographic] Working with Structural Dissociation
A Three-Step Approach to Treating Trauma-Related Dissociation, with Thema Bryant-Davis, PhD
Massively helpful thank you for your kind demonstration of these expert skills.
My clients have taught me over the years that my voice, during those times of dissociation has been the one thing that has helped them feel safe.
Voice tone, along with words from us as therapists can be key to helping bring them back to the here and now in a non threatening manner. Thanks for this short video. Appreciated.
Really sensitive distinction, thank you, the eyes usually a key giveaway with shame.
Thank you so much, I really enjoyed this video.
So much difficulty is arising as people feel shame for not engaging earlier with climate, politics, etc. These prompts are extremely helpful to support people in staying engaged in much needed community work.
Very useful connection you made…thank you.
I’m so stoked to see Dr. Bethany Brand as part of this series! I have learned so much in the past from her work, and I am so hopeful to see her knowledge be made available in this way in a greater society. It’s about time!
I read that adult couples in the UK have been finding that nursing at the breast, on demand, and/or PRN is having beneficial affects on their anxiety, etc. This seems to be related to the release of oxytocin. This has been confirmed by research. Could technique be incorporated in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, etc?
Thank you Bethany for sharing these insights. This short clip will help me immensely with my Executive coaching clients as I assist them to be the leaders they’ve never been. There is so much hidden trauma in Corporate environments which can sometimes come up in Leadership coaching. Much appreciated x
I’ve been watching your videos and I completely agree with everything you say. These will help my clients who are in disassociated states. Thank you so much. Paula Maddison Green MD of Trauma Stop UK CIC
This is incredibly helpful information for me. So many of my patients are experiencing physical conditions and ailments that originated from traumatic events. When we begin to discuss their symptoms – I recognize with this video, that sometimes I am witnessing terror and/or shame arise. Now I have more skills to offer and provide help in those vulnerable moments.
I could when having a fellow consumer, as a peer advocate, or client, and or as just a human being friend, consider these tactics and the issues of whether they’re having shame or terror
Thank you so much. I´m a pediatrician and it´s very useful for my practice (more with parents, than with children).
As someone who has done years of repair and recovery work, I Think what is missing from this verbal cognitive approach is embodiment . Both Shane and terror are sensations in our body, and the experiences may have been pre- verbal.
Esther, Esther Brandon Life Coaching
Remember, Esther, this video is about “dissociation”. Dissociated people cannot feel the bodily sensations. They are not in their body, and that’s part of the problems. The body tend to be a trigger of itself as well, so bringing attention to bodily sensation can overwhelm them and push them further into dissociation.
Totally agree! How can we bring back our clients from dissociation without using those embodiment exercises. They will be triggered by the body scan or movements.
Great tutorial. I like the way you can make the client feel in the right place.
This is a grewat reminder, especially for disociation. The giferentiation betwee shame and terror does not exist if you work with people that had early childhood trauma of rape especially with family members. The sensory trigers may bring out protective alters, and it is then neccessary to concentrate on protection and yes, on bringing back to here and now. Lookiing forward to Wednesdays webinar. most helpful sessions!
I agree – terror exists with shame, and it’s not either-or situation. I hope Dr. Brant will address the interpersonal nature of traumas that people with dissociative disorders carry, and implications that causes in therapy because of that.
Excellent strategies from Bethany. Very helpful and to the point
This was really useful about getting the client back into the here and now and letting them know I am not reacting negatively to the content. I would give them some space and acknowledge it seems scary/awkward etc for them. Empathy is key for me and letting them know I am not judging them.