Organized Extreme Abuse: Terms, Complexities, and Creative Strategies

August 14, 2025

Abstract
Organized Extreme Abuse: Terms, Complexities, and Creative Strategies will review some diagnostic criteria for dissociative disorders (adaptations) and diagnostic differences, and general information about dissociative experience. Potential causes for self-state systems that have systematically induced identities and possible indicators for Organized Extreme Abuse (OEA) will be reviewed and discussed. Learners will begin to determine some similarities and differences of both clinical presentation and therapeutic work with organically formed dissociative self-state systems versus self-state systems with systematically induced identities. Learners can anticipate discussion regarding establishing safety with clients, tips for harm-reduction, exploring possibilities for internal world development, terms related to OEA and their definitions, and to review cautions and potential safety concerns to consider regarding some therapeutic modalities. Lastly, learners can expect to receive resources for clients, support people, and clinicians who would like more information about OEA. The presentation will include some anecdotal case examples, where appropriate.

Potential to Distress: Yes
Due to some written, verbal and visual content, this presentation may be highly activating for some learners, please be prepared to take care of yourself in ways that are best for you.

Target Audience

Intermediate 

Those seeking to participate in this webinar must be licensed mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, mental health counselors, accredited psychotherapists, etc.). ISSTD staff will audit license information prior to the start of the course and may request additional documentation for your license.

We do accept students enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certification in the mental health field and who have an interest in trauma and dissociation. Students must submit proof of student status such as a transcript or registration record. For those who have completed their degree and are currently in the pre-licensure stage practicing under the license of another clinician, you must provide the name and license information for the person you are working with. Documentation should be sent to ISSTD staff at cfas@isst-d.org before registering. 

Learning Objectives

Upon Completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Identify at least three symptoms of DID/OSDD
  • List at least three indicators of potential Organized Extreme Abuse (OEA) history
  • Describe at least three ways clinicians can address safety concerns and/or assist clients with establishing safety
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 3.00 APA
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • 3.00 ASWB ACE
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2024 – 08/20/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3.00 continuing education credits.
  • 3.00 ISSTD Certificate Program
    This program is eligible for 3.00 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.
Course opens: 
09/20/2024
Course expires: 
12/31/2050
Event starts: 
08/14/2025 - 5:00pm EDT
Event ends: 
08/14/2025 - 8:00pm EDT
ISSTD Member cost:
$59.00
Your Price:
$79.00
Part of: 
2025 Webinar Pass
Add to calendar: 
Rating: 
4

Presenter: Rachel Sage, LCSW-C
Presenter Bio: Rachel Sage, LCSW-C, licensed clinical social worker in private practice located in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, is licensed to practice in Maryland and Pennsylvania. Rachel received a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland (2019) and a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from Towson University (2012). Rachel is an EMDRIA Approved Provider and Approved Consultant, holds ASCH certification in Clinical Hypnosis, is fully trained in Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), and often blends hypnotic interventions throughout their clinical work. In addition to teaching coursework on complex trauma at University of Maryland School of Social Work, Rachel also teaches as a member of Professional Training Program faculty at the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) and is a Facilitator for ISSTD’s EMDR Basic Training Program.
 
They primarily provide therapy to folks who experience symptoms of severe/complex dissociation (primarily DID/OSDD) and/or who have experienced severe + complex trauma/Organized Extreme Abuse (OEA). Rachel has experience working with a wide variety of populations in various settings such as harm reduction mobile services, Baltimore City Hall, community outpatient clinics, shelters, and private practice.  
 
In addition to their clinical work, Rachel also provides consultation to other mental health practitioners on both EMDR Therapy and complex dissociation. When Rachel isn’t engaged in their clinical practice, you can often find them hanging out with their dogs, doing hot yoga, or at a local metal or folk punk show. 

Available Credit

  • 3.00 APA
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • 3.00 ASWB ACE
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2024 – 08/20/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3.00 continuing education credits.
  • 3.00 ISSTD Certificate Program
    This program is eligible for 3.00 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.

Price

ISSTD Member cost:
$59.00
Your Price:
$79.00
Please login or register to take this course.

"Your Price" above reflects your final price based on your membership status and career level. 

  • ISSTD defines a student as those enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certification in the mental health field and who have an interest in trauma and dissociation. 
  • ISSTD defines an emerging professional as mental health professionals who have completed an advanced degree and are in the first three years of their career (or first three years after graduation for researchers).
  • If you do not fall into one of the above categories please register as Professional/Retired. 

These prices are for Tier I countries. For a list of countries by Tier click here. If you are located in a country that falls into Tier II-VI please contact ISSTD at cfas@isst-d.org to receive the appropriate discount code.

Registration Policies

Cancellations prior to the webinar are subject to a $10 cancellation fee. No refunds are provided for no shows. The deadline for cancellations with a refund is August 11, 2025 at 5:00pm US Eastern Time. Requests for cancellation should be sent to cfas@isst-d.org.

For additional webinar policies including completion requirements, filing grievances, requesting a disability accommodation, and awarding of certificates of credits, please visit our Webinar Policies page.