Integrative Therapeutic Interventions of Phase-Oriented Treatment: Additional Reflections on the Case of Lynn

Abstract

The case of “Lynn” (Stewart, Dadson, & Fallding, 2011) involved theoretical integration with regard to structural dissociation, mentalizing, and disorganized and unresolved attachment. Although the article explored integrative theoretical considerations with case examples, treatment modalities within sessions were not the central focus. Providing a follow-up to the case, this article describes the multimodal approaches and specific therapeutic interventions that were used during session hours, and how these operate within the three phases of treatment for structural dissociation. For example, the progression of a trauma-related issue for Lynn is described from a structural dissociation perspective. This issue is followed through three sessions, one from each phase of treatment, describing the integrative treatment interventions used to facilitate healing. Additionally, the case study provides a description of how the introduction of neurofeedback into the treatment plan drastically improved stabilization with regard to self-harming behaviors.

Keywords:

• attachment
• complex PTSD
• mentalizing
• neurofeedback
• tertiary structural dissociation

Notes

¹ It should be noted that other clients we have seen with tertiary structural dissociation did not all have such strongly positive experiences, possibly due to less awareness and integration around core traumatic experiences, as Lynn had had when beginning the treatment.