Complex PTSD & Dissociative Disorders Flashcards

In EMDR treatment of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), the recommended order of treatment phases follows the ISSTD phased model. What is the PRIMARY focus of Phase 1 (Safety and Stabilization)?

Answer: Building internal cooperation, safety, and affect regulation skills

Phase 1 prioritizes internal communication, cooperation among parts, and stabilization skills before any trauma processing begins, as premature processing can destabilize the system.

A client with CPTSD becomes suddenly silent, appears glassy-eyed, and stops responding mid-session. The EMDR therapist suspects a dissociative episode. Which intervention is MOST appropriate?

Answer: Use grounding techniques such as the 4-5-4 breathing or asking orientation questions

Grounding techniques help bring a dissociating client back to present reality; naming the room, touching a chair, or paced breathing re-establishes present-moment awareness.

Which term describes the EMDR phenomenon where a client's SUD level does not decrease despite multiple sets of BLS, often seen in complex trauma cases?

Answer: Blocked processing or looping

Blocked processing (or looping) occurs when SUD remains static or the client returns repeatedly to the same material, requiring a cognitive interweave or modified approach.

The 'theory of structural dissociation' posits that dissociation arises from failure to integrate traumatic experiences. Which two theorists are most closely associated with developing this model?

Answer: Onno van der Hart and Ellert Nijenhuis

Onno van der Hart and Ellert Nijenhuis (along with Kathy Steele) developed the Theory of Structural Dissociation of the Personality, foundational to understanding complex trauma.

In EMDR with complex trauma clients, 'parts-informed EMDR' typically involves which additional step before targeting a traumatic memory?

Answer: Obtaining permission or cooperation from relevant parts before processing

Parts-informed EMDR requires checking in with relevant internal parts and gaining their cooperation before processing, to prevent sabotage or destabilization during BLS.

Which of the following trauma types is most likely to result in Complex PTSD rather than standard PTSD?

Answer: Childhood emotional neglect spanning many years by a primary caregiver

Complex PTSD arises from prolonged, repeated trauma — especially involving captivity or dependency, such as chronic childhood abuse or neglect by caregivers.

The 'Affect Bridge' technique in EMDR is particularly useful with complex trauma clients for which purpose?

Answer: Connecting a current emotional reaction to earlier formative traumatic memories

The Affect Bridge follows an emotion felt in the present back to earlier memories where the same feeling originated, helping identify foundational trauma targets in complex cases.