Trauma and Psychosis: A Developmental and Relational Perspective
About This Webinar
Psychosis is often approached primarily as a range of symptoms to be identified, diagnosed and reduced. Hallucinations, delusions, thought disorder, alterations in the sense of self, and flight from reality, remain central to the diagnosis of psychotic disorders. Yet diagnostic symptoms alone do not necessarily tell us how these experiences developed, what they may mean, or why they take the particular form they do for an individual.
In this webinar, Dr Joan Haliburn and Kris Rao explore psychosis through a developmental, trauma-informed and relational lens. While there is no single accepted explanation for psychosis, apart from genetic pre-disposition, increasing attention has been given to the ways early attachment disruption, childhood trauma, shame, dissociation and poor reflective capacity may contribute to the vulnerability, complexity and expression of psychotic experience. Attachment insecurity is over-represented among people experiencing psychosis, and serious childhood trauma may further increase severity of psychiatric symptoms, add complexity to their presentation and affect response to treatment.
Particular attention will be given to affect, voices, delusions, paranoid ideas and thought disorder. Rather than understanding voices only as symptoms of disorder, Joan and Kris will consider how some experiences may be related to dissociation, traumatic memory and unbearable affect that has not been adequately represented or symbolised. Dissociation will be considered not as a simple causal explanation for psychosis, but as an important defensive process that may help us understand aspects of psychotic experience.
The webinar will also explore areas of convergence between neurotic, dissociative and psychotic processes and consider what a relational understanding adds to contemporary diagnostic approaches. Drawing on the long history of psychoanalytic approaches to psychosis, Joan and Kris will bring together theoretical understanding and clinical perspectives to consider the possibilities and challenges of psychotherapy with people experiencing psychosis, with particular attention to the Conversational Model of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.
GLOBAL EXPERT SERIES
Look Beyond the Symptoms of Psychosis
Move beyond symptoms and diagnosis to consider the developmental, traumatic and relational experiences that may shape psychosis
THE COURSE CURRICULUM
Expand Your Clinical Understanding of Voices, Delusions and Dissociation
Self-paced module: 4 lessons · 2 hours video · slides · quiz · 90 day access · instant 2-hour CPD certificate.
GLOBAL EXPERT SERIES
Understand Psychosis Through a Trauma-Informed Lens
Go beyond diagnostic categories and explore what psychotic experiences may communicate about trauma, relationships, affect and the organisation of the self
About Dr Joan Haliburn
Dr Joan Haliburn is a Consultant Child, Adolescent and Family Psychiatrist, trained in the Conversational Model of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, in the Systems Model of Family Therapy and in Attachment Strange Situation. She is in private practice and was a faculty member of the Complex Trauma Training Unit, University of Sydney at Westmead Clinical School. She has been involved in psychotherapy research and writing since graduating in 1987. Her most recent book ‘An Integrated Approach to Short Term Dynamic Interpersonal Psychotherapy: A Clinician’s Guide’ 2017 is used in the short-term therapy training course. She has also co-edited “Humanising Mental Health Care in Australia” 2019 and has authored numerous papers in local and international journals