In this talk, Dr. Ross will discuss the complex relationships between trauma psychosis and dissociation. Contrary to what is widely believed in the mental health field, psychosis is not primarily due to genes – it is more a reaction to the environment, including psychological trauma. This means that environmental interventions like psychotherapy deserve more emphasis in the treatment of psychosis. Dr. Ross will illustrate this by describing the therapy technique of talking to the voices. In addition, he will discuss the similarities and differences between dissociation and psychosis – clinicians too often assume that means psychosis – in fact, auditory hallucinations are often dissociative in nature and can be engaged in psychotherapy.

 

Learning Objectives:

1.  Participants will be able to describe the similarities and differences between dissociation and psychosis.

2.  Participants will be able to describe the role of trauma in psychosis

3.  Participants will be able to describe the therapy technique of talking to the voices