Session Two - Depersonalization and Derealization

March 13, 2026

Session Two - Depersonalization and Derealization
Content Level: Advanced

Session Description
Despite depersonalization/derealization disorder occurring in approximately 1% of the general population (Hunter et al, 2017), those with this dissociative disorder are often misdiagnosed, leading to misunderstanding and inappropriate treatments. In this session, we will review the indicators and the assessment of depersonalization/derealization disorder, including the use of the Cambridge Depersonalization Scale. We will then explore the etiology of depersonalization/derealization, especially the role of fearful attachment in the primary relationship of caregiver and child. Finally we will discuss treatment, more specifically the use of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and the role of mindfulness in treating depersonalization/derealization clients.

    Readings

    1. Hunter, E. C. M., Charlton, J., & David, A. S. (2017). Depersonalisation and derealization: Assessment and management. BMJ, 356, j745. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.j745
    2. Simeon, D., & Knutelska, M. (2022). The role of fearful attachment in depersonalization disorder. European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 6(3), 100266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejtd.2022.100266
    3.  Hunter, E. C. M., Wong, C. L. M., Gafoor, R., Lewis, G., & David, A. S. (2023). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for depersonalization-derealization disorder (DDD): A self-controlled cross-over study of waiting list vs. active treatment. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 52(6), 672–685. https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2022.2156336
    4. Levin, K. K., Gornish, A., & Quigley, L. (2022). Mindfulness and depersonalization: A nuanced relationship. Mindfulness, 13(6), 1479–1489. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-022-01964-4

    Additional Materials

    1. Cambridge Depersonalization Scale

    Timed Outline
    30 minutes:    Discussion of Reading 1 and Cambridge Depersonalization Scale
    30 minutes:    Discussion of Reading 2
    30 minutes:    Discussion of Reading 3
    30 minutes:    Discussion of Reading 4
    30 minutes:    Discussion of Readings 1-4 as applied to disguised clinical case material

    Learning Objectives

    After the completion of this class, participants will be able to:
    1. Identify the signs and symptoms of depersonalization and derealization as part of an assessment of clients with dissociation, including using the Cambridge Depersonalization Scale
    2. Discuss the etiology of depersonalization and derealization, especially the role of fearful attachment in clients with DP/DR
    3. Discuss the impact and efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for clients with depersonalization and derealization
    4. Explain the use of mindfulness with clients with depersonalization and derealization
    Course summary
    Available credit: 
    • 2.50 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.
    • 2.50 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 2.50 continuing education credits.
    • 2.50 ISSTD Certificate Program
      This program is eligible for 2.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.
    Course opens: 
    09/29/2025
    Course expires: 
    11/30/2026
    Event starts: 
    03/13/2026 - 11:30am EDT
    Event ends: 
    03/13/2026 - 2:00pm EDT
    Part of: 
    Advanced Topics in Complex Trauma and Dissociative Disorders | Flakser 2026
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    Available Credit

    • 2.50 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.
    • 2.50 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 2.50 continuing education credits.
    • 2.50 ISSTD Certificate Program
      This program is eligible for 2.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.
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