Part II: Dissociation in Attachment Repair

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

This course explores Dissociation, a complex phenomenon, in the context of Attachment Repair.

Module 1: Organized vs. Disorganized Attachment

• Organized Attachment: Individuals have a core self and may experience temporary "split-off" parts triggered by specific events.

• Disorganized Attachment: Characterized by conflicting behaviors and unresolved caregiver trauma.

  • Local Disorganization: Split-off parts are small and contained, triggered by specific contexts.

  • Complex Disorganization (Dissociative Identity Disorder): Multiple "normal" parts and split-off parts with fragmented identities.

Module 2: Dissociation and the Splitting Process

• Function of Split-Off Parts: Cope with overwhelming experiences and emotions.

• Impact of Split-Off Parts: Create a sense of isolation, limit access to autobiographical memories, and can be a source of shame.

• Healing Modalities: Address the "hot potato" core experiences and reintegrate them with the core self.

Module 3: Triggers and Dysregulation

• Common Triggers: Sensory experiences, anniversaries, emotional states.

• Difficulties with Triggers: Secondary reactions can make the original experience seem even more overwhelming.

• Non-Verbal Communication: Can be a helpful tool during triggering moments.

Module 4: Memory and Dissociation

• Autobiographical Memory vs. Dissociation: Memories are symbolic and integrated vs. re-experiencing with intense emotions.

• Amnesia and Trigger Cycles: Triggered states can be forgotten, leading to repeated cycles.

Module 5: Dissociation in Complex Disorganization

• Multiple Parts and Shifting Identities: The core self may struggle to understand and manage various parts.

• Problematic Parts: May engage in self-harming or socially unacceptable behaviors.

Module 6: Dissociation and Attachment Strategies

• Disorganized Attachment and Approach-Avoidance Conflict: Creates a dilemma for children seeking both closeness and distance from caregivers.

• Impact on Memory: Dissociation disrupts memory encoding and creates a fragmented sense of self.

Module 7: Challenges of Dissociation in Therapy

• Integration Difficulties: New insights may be rejected by parts of the self.

• Conflicting Responses: Dissociation can lead to contradictory behaviors and emotional states.

Module 8: Dissociation and PTSD

• Attachment and PTSD: Unresolved attachment issues are common in PTSD.

• Cumulative Trauma: Traumatic experiences can increase the risk of future dissociation.

Additional Notes:

• The course emphasizes the importance of building integrative capacity, allowing all parts of the self to process experiences.

• Attachment Repair aims to create a strong, unified sense of self.