Group Therapy with the Dissociative Mind: Mentalizing, Self States and the Building of Community

Chairs:                

Karis Klassen, M.A., Private Practice, Indianapolis, Indiana

K. Brynolf Lyon, Ph.D., CGP, Professor, Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana

Explores recent perspectives on the self as a 'dissociative mind' and its implications for group psychotherapy.  Special attention given to the understanding of self-states and linking modalities such as mentalizing.  We will also focus on the ways group therapy from this perspective reconstructs our shared sense of presence in the social world.

didactic-demonstration-experiential-sharing of work experiences

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Identify the major characteristics of the dissociative mind and their implications for group psychotherapy.

2. Develop mentalizing interventions linking self states within and between patients.

3. Identify some moral-cultural horizons of this way of understanding group therapy.

Course References:

1. Bromberg, P. (2006).  Awakening the Dreamer:  Clinical Journeys.  Hillsdale, NJ, Analytic Press.

2. Howell, E.  (2005).  The Dissociative Mind.  Hillsdale, NJ.  Analytic Press.

3. Fonagy, P., Gergeley, G., Jurist, E. L., Target, M. (2002)  Affect Regulation, Mentalization, and the Development of the Self.  New York:  Other Press.