CPTSD & Dissociation
When "I Don't Know" Is Clinically Significant
"I don't know."
"I don't remember."
"I feel nothing."
"I know something happened, but I can't access it."
For therapists, these statements can be easy to overlook, or interpret too quickly.
But often, "I don't know" is information.
Complex PTSD and dissociation can profoundly affect how clients experience memories, emotions, body sensations, relationships, and even their sense of self. Dissociation also exists on a spectrum, meaning it may not always look dramatic or obvious.
This workshop explores CPTSD and dissociation through a practical clinical lens, helping EMDR therapists recognize signs that may otherwise be dismissed, misunderstood, or missed altogether.
You'll explore:
What complex PTSD is and how it differs from PTSD
Dissociation as a spectrum rather than an all-or-nothing phenomenon
Common and subtle signs of dissociation
Why clients may say "I don't know," "I don't remember," or "I don't feel anything"
Signs of dissociation that can be overlooked in EMDR sessions
The relationship between trauma, dissociation, and nervous-system responses
How dissociation can affect EMDR preparation and processing
Screening considerations for dissociation
How to recognize when slowing down may be clinically important
Ways to think about safety, stabilization, and pacing when working with complex trauma