Blog: Coping with Trauma-Related Dissociation

Coping with Trauma-Related Dissociation: Skills Training for Patients and Therapists

by Boon, S., Steele, K., & van der Hart, O. (2011). New York: W. W. Norton & Company

This is a workbook that can be used by individuals who want to target specific trauma-related areas of their lives, as well as therapists who wish to use the exercises in their therapy sessions. Some of the topics include understanding dissociation, developing a sense of inner safety, learning how to regulate yourself, improving sleep, and coping with triggers.

The explanations in the book are short and easy to understand; however, if you're looking for more in-depth or scientific information, you'll have to look elsewhere. This book seems not to be written to impress a large amount of information on its readers; rather, it focuses on practical skills. In addition, short chapters are likely more easily digested for those who risk becoming overwhelmed by a lot of information.

Although the title is "Skills Training for Patients [...]", my impression is that high-functioning individuals may also find a useful exercise or two in this book, as most everyone has had one or another overwhelming experience or has a challenge in an area that is covered in this book. One doesn't have to have PTSD to experience loneliness, guilt, or fear as a challenge.

If you are in doubt as to whether or not this book is for you, have a look at the preview on Amazon. You can check out some of the exercises and worksheets to see if they appeal to you. https://www.amazon.com/Coping-Trauma-Related-Dissociation-Interpersonal-Neurobiology-dp-039370646X/dp/039370646X/ref=mt_paperback

Please be advised that it is strongly recommended that you work with a therapist, and not just do the exercises and worksheets on your own. A good place to start would be to ask your therapist if s/he recommends this kind of work for you or not.

- ©Miriam Segal, 04.11.2018

Safe and Sound Protocol

I participated in the safe and sound protocol led by Miriam Segal and experienced deep shifts in my visceral feeling of safety. These shifts allowed me to enter a deeper level of clearing trauma from my body without the trepidation that I would remain in pain or illness. I’m not sure exactly how to put in words the value of this training. What I can say is I was able to put complete trust in Miriam as my guide through this process. She was consistently present and attentive as I experienced the sounds of the protocol, supportive, patient and open to whatever I needed to express in the process. I have experienced a significant amount of personal and spiritual growth over the last several years and am particularly grateful for this experience of feeling safe through triggers and the underlying thoughts and emotions not only from the past but also in my imaginings of the future. If this experience of feeling safe in the process of expansion appeals to use I encourage you to make the investment in yourself through this protocol with Miriam. I am profoundly grateful for her courage and competencies in offering this.

Danielle McMahon, Personal Peace Practitioner

I so wish, Miriam, that you had done this class [UNDEFIABLE] six years ago, because as I read your brochure, I felt like I was reading a story of what I’ve been through over the course of the last six years, the journey of my life, and as I read that, I thought, ‘Man, if this had been available six years ago in a 12-week program, I would have saved myself so much wonderful time!’ […] I’m excited for you to be offering this, and I’m excited for your participants to be exposed to this material. I think it’s just fantastic.

Bobby Cobb, Reductive Liberation Hypnotist & Coach

Thank you for a great course [Conscious Courageous Conversations], deep and powerful.

Helga Rachel Høgåsen, Coach, Innerleadership

I have attended Miriam Segal’s workshops which have been powerful and effective. I appreciate her insightful, no nonsense approach, which combines compassion and connection. Miriam works with you using practical exercises and instructions to help make life changing outcomes.

Thank you Miriam.