Complex PTSD (CPTSD) is often a component of dissociative disorders and a consequence of developmental trauma. CPTSDs often involve or are a consequence of insecure and disorganized attachments. Consequently, interventions for PTSD that are the consequence of Type 1 traumas are not adequate for resolving developmental trauma disorders secondary to more extensive Type 2 trauma histories. Phase-oriented interventions that focus on repairing developmental neglect deficits are more appropriate for the treatment of CPTSD and dissociative disorders.
Given the presence of dissociative symptoms in CPTSD and the increased level of hypnotizability in traumatized populations, hypnosis can be a treatment of choice for providers appropriately trained in its use with this population. Subcortical processes involving implicit memory have been associated with early life attachment disturbances and chronic PTSD. Moreover, the neuroception of safety necessary for the downregulation of defensive neurophysiological states and establishing autonomic nervous system homeostasis supportive of constructive change is also a nonconscious subcortical process. Consequently, hypnotic interventions that address developmental trauma's relevant subcortical and implicit memory underpinnings are essential for optimal recovery.
This workshop will review the nature of implicit memory, its relationship to the etiology and maintenance of developmental trauma disorders, and the application of hypnotic strategies to facilitate necessary changes in subcortical processes to facilitate recovery. This phase-oriented approach to treating trauma will include training in necessary stabilization and attachment repair skills that equip clients to process and resolve adverse childhood and other trauma-related experiences effectively. Furthermore, behavioral and hypnotic techniques for establishing the neurophysiological substrate for trauma resolution and attachment repair will be reviewed. Techniques taught during this workshop will also promote ego-strengthening, affect-regulation, self-agency, self-development, and reduction in persistent negative beliefs. This workshop will be most valuable to those at an intermediate level of hypnotic experience. However, non-hypnotic aspects of the skills reviewed will be helpful to participants at the beginning level of hypnotic training. This clinically-oriented session will include didactic presentations and demonstrations and is not considered to be likely to cause audience distress.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session participants will be able to:
Describe the three components of the phase-oriented treatment of trauma
Outline two strategies for establishing a neurophysiological substrate for trauma processing and attachment repair
Describe the importance of prioritizing neglect repair and related implicit memory modification hypnotic strategies
Identify and apply specific clinical hypnosis strategies for stabilization and attachment repair that equip clients to recover from developmental trauma histories effectively
List the steps for identifying the origins of persistent negative beliefs and memory reconsolidation update methods to constructively modify them