C-PTSD, Dissociation and Schema Therapy

C-PTSD, Dissociation and Schema Therapy

2 hours (including discussion and Q&A)

Synopsis:

This 2-hour webinar offers an in-depth, practice-focused exploration of how Schema Therapy conceptualises and treats Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) and dissociative presentations. Drawing on the latest clinical and research developments, the session guides therapists in understanding trauma-related fragmentation through the Schema Mode model, and in applying limited reparenting and experiential techniques safely and effectively with clients who have a history of chronic trauma, neglect, and abuse.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will:

1. Understand how C-PTSD develops through chronic unmet emotional needs and traumatic attachment patterns.
2. Identify key schema modes activated in C-PTSD and dissociative clients (e.g., Vulnerable Child, Detached Protector, Angry Child, Punitive Critic).
3. Learn principles for trauma work within Schema Therapy framework—balancing titration, attunement, and experiential processing.
4. Explore techniques for managing dissociation and emotional flooding, including grounding, mode awareness, and attuned pacing.
5. Gain confidence in using Imagery Rescripting with highly fragmented or sceptical clients—responding to resistance (“But that wasn’t real!”) with compassion and clarity.
6. Strengthen understanding of therapist stance—how to maintain confidence, compassion, and limit-setting when faced with trauma-related coping modes.