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Building on the comprehensive theoretical model of dissociation elegantly developed in The Dissociative Mind, Elizabeth Howell makes another invaluable contribution to the clinical understanding of dissociative states with Understanding and Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder. Howell, working within the realm of relational psychoanalysis, explicates a multifaceted approach to the treatment of this fascinating yet often misunderstood condition, which involves the partitioning of the personality into part-selves that remain unaware of one another, usually the result of severely traumatic experiences.


Howell begins with an explication of dissociation theory and research that includes the dynamic unconscious, trauma theory, attachment, and neuroscience. She then discusses the identification and diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) before moving on to outline a phase-oriented treatment plan, which includes facilitating a multileveled co-constructed therapeutic relationship, emphasizing the multiplicity of transferences, countertransferences, and kinds of potential enactments. She then expands the treatment possibilities to include dreamwork, before moving on to discuss the risks involved in the treatment of DID and how to mitigate them. All concepts and technical approaches are permeated with rich clinical examples. "Elizabeth Howell, in Understanding and Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Relational Approach, has once again shown that successful psychotherapy hinges on working with dissociation in the context of a human relationship. In her new book, she extends the central thesis of her earlier volume, The Dissociative Mind, to brilliantly portray how, even with individuals who seem to defy the time-honored rules of psychotherapeutic engagement, the deepest healing and the deepest growth are intertwined in the ever-shifting interactive relationship with the multiple aspects of self haunting the patient's inner world. Synthesizing within her own perspective the valuable contributions of other clinicians and researchers in the area of trauma and dissociation, she demonstrates how the complex relational environment defining the "disorder" labeled DID is not a strange form of illness but a debilitating form of anticipatory self-protection - the automatic reliance on a dissociative self-state structure designed to preempt the return of traumatic affect and interpersonal betrayal. Howell's inspiring range of scholarship and clinical perceptiveness is so deeply embedded in her wisdom, that I strongly anticipate this book being an invaluable resource for all mental health practitioners of all orientations." - Philip M. Bromberg, author of The Shadow of the Tsunami (2011), Awakening the Dreamer (2006), and Standing in the Spaces (1998)


"Elizabeth Howell has officiated at the wedding of traumatology and relational psychoanalysis by serving us with a thoughtful and nuanced melding of theoretical knowledge and clinical wisdom borne out of many years of hard work. Especially valuable are detailed case descriptions and discussion, which bracket the book and punctuate the text even in the section on relevant neurobiology. This is an accessible 'must read' volume for clinicians interested in better understanding their patients who are struggling with the aftermath of chronic complex trauma and dissociation." - Richard A. Chefetz, International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, USA


"A must for any psychologist looking for deeper study of this serious and life changing disorder and how it affects their patients." - The Midwest Book Review


"Howell's voice is personal, and at times passionate...Howell is familiar with relevant current research literatrue and summarizes it thoroughly, but this is not what makes her book original. Rather, it is her collection of clinical "pearls." She frequently includes short segments from verbatim transcipts of psychotherapy sessions and these are very valuable as illustrations of therapeutic technique...for those seeking a glimpse into the office of a master clinician who knows how to work with dissociative patients." - Judith L. Herman, MD, Psychoanalytic Psychology


"An impressively comprehensive yet nuanced guide for the understanding and treatment of patients with dissociative identity disorder (DID). The first half of the book is an excellent summary of relevant theory, while the second half focuses cogently on several clinical topics. We recommend Howell's latest book as a reliable guide for both novice and experienced analysts." - Miriam Korn, Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association

Understanding and Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Relational Approach

Introduction. Part I: Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder. The Lives and Psychotherapy of Three People with DID. The Dynamic Unconscious and the Dissociative Structure of the Mind. "The 'We' of Me:" Personality Organization in DID. DID is a Trauma Disorder. Dissociated Self-states, Trauma, and Disorganized Attachment. Some Neurobiological Correlates of the Structure and Psychodynamics of Dissociated Self-states. Dissociated Self-states: Creation and Contexualization. Part II: Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder. Assessment and Diagnosis of DID. Phase-oriented Treatment. Facilitating Co-consciousness and Co-participation in the Treatment. Working with Persecutory Alters and Identification with the Aggressor. The Therapeutic Relationship: Multiple Dimensions of Co-construction. Dreams in DID. Suicidality. Comorbidity and Seeming Comorbidity: Problematic Outcomes of Severe and Rigid Dissociative Structuring of the Mind.