Dissociation : Vol. 7, No. 4, p. 239-245 : Utilizing parenting as a clinical focus in the treatment of dissociative disorders
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Date
1994-12
Authors
Benjamin, Lynn R.
Benjamin, Robert
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ridgeview Institute and the International Society for the Study of Dissociation
Abstract
Parenting is a potent resource in both the individual and family treatment of Dissociative Disorders. A focus on parenting helps to build the therapeutic alliance and establish a safe base. It subtly shifts the client's attention to childhood experiences and the parenting that he or she experienced. The therapist's empathy and crediting of the client is echoed in the relationship between the dissociative parent and his or her child. The therapist promotes bonding and attachment, sensitizes the parent to the child's needs, and increases the parent's sense of self-efficacy. Through involving the parenting partner, the therapist promotes cooperation and reduces conflict. Therapy is aimed toward teaching affect regulation, decreasing negative affect, and increasing positive affect among family members. Utilization of extrafamilial support is also encouraged. Attention to parenting serves both to stimulate progress in individual therapy and to interrupt and correct dysfunctional transgenerational patterns.
Description
p. 239-245