Understanding and Working with Dissociative Identity Disorder, With Dr. Valerie Sinason

Part 1 — Trauma, Disorganised Attachment and Dissociative Identity Disorder

In this compelling first video recording, world-renowned psychoanalyst and pioneer in the field of dissociation, Dr. Valerie Sinason, lays the vital groundwork for understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Drawing on decades of groundbreaking clinical work, research and advocacy, Dr. Sinason explains how profound early trauma and disorganised attachment can shatter a child’s sense of a unified self — giving rise to multiple self-states or alters that develop as a creative survival strategy.

She explores why DID has been historically misdiagnosed, why it continues to challenge Western psychiatric norms of a single cohesive ego, and how fear, secrecy and the criminal justice system have shaped our cultural responses to these hidden lives. This first part offers an unflinching yet deeply compassionate framework for recognising DID and understanding the powerful social and psychological dynamics that surround it.

Part 2 — Working with Dissociative Identity Disorder

In this equally essential follow-up recording, Dr. Sinason moves from theory to practice, offering a rare window into the complex realities of therapeutic work with DID. Building directly on Part 1, she discusses how clinicians can create a safe, welcoming space for all parts, alters and self-states — and why doing so requires profound patience, courage, and a relational stance rooted in trust and containment.

She shares her insights on the core aims of treatment, how to navigate the unique challenges and risks that can arise, and what it means to hold the fragmented yet creative internal world of someone who has survived unimaginable early trauma. Rich with clinical wisdom, real-life examples and audience questions, this recording is an invaluable guide for therapists at any stage of working with dissociation.

Together, these two recordings form a powerful foundation for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of trauma, disorganised attachment and DID — from early theory to the realities of compassionate clinical practice. Whether you are new to this field or a seasoned practitioner, Dr. Sinason’s unique expertise and pioneering voice will inspire, challenge and equip you to meet this important yet often overlooked area of mental health with knowledge and care.

✅ Listen anytime, anywhere — pause, replay, and reflect at your own pace.
✅ Earn CPD — simply let us know once you’ve completed the recording to receive your certificate.

Both videos are especially recommended for practitioners, supervisors and trainees from the psychotherapy and psychoanalytic fields who wish to expand their confidence in working with complex trauma and dissociation.

These webinars were recorded with a live audience on the 15^th Dec 22 and 16^th Feb 2023 respectively

Video lecture – and power-point – 1 hour and 49 and I hour and 44 respectively

BUY NOW – Part One £30.00

BUY NOW – Part Two £30.00

Dr Valerie Sinason was Consultant Child Psychotherapist at the Tavistock Clinic from 1987 to 1999; Consultant Psychotherapist at both the Anna Freud and Portman Clinics and Consultant Research Psychotherapist/Psychoanalyst at St George’s Hospital Medical School. Valerie founded the Clinic for Dissociative Studies in 1998 and has retained a Consultant post there along with several other Consultancy since her retirement in 2016. In April 2016, Dr Sinason was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the ISSTD (International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation). In 2017, she was made a Fellow of the ISSTD and in January 2019 she was elected to their Board of Directors. Dr Sinason’s extensive writing includes over 100 published, peer-reviewed papers. She has written over 20 books and lectures nationally and internationally.