Treating Traumatic Dissociation and Multiple Centers of Consciousness w/ Sheldon Itzkowitz, PhD

This course focuses on trauma and dissociation in development of multiple self-states or centers of consciousness. When the developing child is confronted with increasing anxiety and emotional distress, the mind-brain employs its normally occurring dissociative capacities to defend against anxiety, minimize disorganization and maintain affective stability. However, when experience is overwhelming, beyond the child’s capacity to contain, e.g. severe emotional, physical, and or sexual abuse, the mind-brain uses its dissociative abilities to create a form of its own psychopathology; a dissociatively structured mind. Readings, and clinical material will enhance participants understanding and facility in working with dissociation in clinical practice.

The course is taught on Fridays, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm, April 30, May 7, 14, 21

Learning Objectives

I. Participants will learn the distinction between dissociative processes and the dissociative structuring of the mind.

II. Participants will learn to distinguish between self-states and alter personalities.

III. Participants will learn how to engage and work therapeutically with self-states and alter personalities. 

Dr. Shelly Itzkowitz is an adjunct clinical associate professor of psychology and clinical consultant at the NYU Postdoctoral Program, Guest Faculty, the Eating Disorders, Compulsions, and Addictions Program, the William Alanson White Institute. He is on the teaching and supervisory faculty of the National Institute for the Psychotherapies, and the Trauma Studies Program of the Manhattan Institute for Psychoanalysis, he is an honorary member of the William Alanson White Society, a Fellow and a member of the Board of Directors of the International Society for the Study of Trauma & Dissociation (ISSTD). Dr. Itzkowitz has presented his work on dissociation and dissociative identity disorder both nationally and internationally. He, and Elizabeth Howell are co-editors of their recently published book, “Psychoanalysts, Psychologists and Psychiatrists Discuss Psychopathy & Human Evil.” They have also co-edited, “The Dissociative Mind in Psychoanalysis: Understanding and Working with Trauma” which received the 2016 Media Award-Written by ISSTD and was nominated for the 2017 Gradiva Award. Dr. Itzkowitz is in full time private practice in Manhattan working with both individuals and couples and provides clinical consultation individually and in groups.

Continuing Education

This class is approved for 6.0 CE contact hours for social workers, psychologists, licensed psychoanalysts, and licensed mental health counselors:

The National Institute for the Psychotherapies is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education credits for psychologists. The National Institute for the Psychotherapies maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

The National Institute for the Psychotherapies is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0018.

The National Institute for the Psychotherapies is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychoanalysts #Psyan-0004.

National Institute for the Psychotherapies (NIP) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0059.

Personalized CE certificates will be emailed at the end of this event after completing and passing an online quiz and evaluation form (as required by NYSED). Attendance on all days are mandatory for CE credits.

Refunds, & Cancellation Policy

Cancellation requests made more than a week prior to the event will be given a full refund of registration fees. Refunds will not be granted for cancellation requests made within a week of the first day of the event or for no-shows on any of the days event take place.