1. Training Presentation
The Four Post
Trauma Abuse Issues.
Maureen Davies. RGN. MA. MSC. BACP Senior Accredited Practitioner
UKCP Registered Psychotherapist

2. Four Post Trauma Abuse Issues
The four post trauma / abuse issues are always present in various forms and in different stages in a person’s life.
They are specific to the survival skills that have been developed particularly ‘during’ the shame process or trauma.
The coping mechanisms developed because of traumatic situations are called ‘defence mechanisms or creative adjustments.’

3. These 4 issues are; Always present In varying degrees
Until they have been addressed

4. Four Post Trauma Abuse Issues
1. Dissociation
2. Regression
3. Disorganised Thought Process
4. Sensory Impairment

5. What is Dissociation: ‘a disturbance or alteration in the normally
The DSM IV TR Defines Dissociation as;
‘a disturbance or alteration in the normally
integrated function of
consciousness,
memory,
identity
or perception of the environment.
(American Psychiatric Association 2001.)

6. Dissociation Affects 1. Identity. 2. Consciousness. 3. Memory.
The primary mental capacities affected
by dissociative disturbance are;
1. Identity.
2. Consciousness.
3. Memory.
Simple put it is about daydreaming but more severe.

7. a) The Function of Dissociation
Any human psychological or behavioural function
may become dissociated from consciousness.
Braun (1988) proposed the BASK model in which
dissociation can be regarded as involving any or
all of the following processes.
Behaviour. Action. Sensation and Knowledge.

8. b) The Function of Dissociation is to:
Automize Behaviour.
Bring Resolution of Irreconcilable Conflicts.
Escape from Reality.
Isolate from Catastrophic Experiences.
Bring Cathartic Discharge.
Enhancement of Human Bonding.

9. Regression is defined as:
Relapse into a less perfect or
developed state.
You cannot regress unless you dissociate first

10. Regression can also create a:
Reversion into an earlier or less mature pattern of feeling or behaviour.
An adoption by an adult or adolescent of behaviour more appropriate to a child, especially as a defence mechanism to avoid anxiety.

11. Disorganised Thought Processes
What a person wants to say does not come out of their mouth.
They know what they want to say but go blank.
Cannot think straight
Cannot write straight
Write in a regressed manner.

12. Sensory Impairment creates;
Hyper-sensitive .. over the top responses, over protective towards children, extreme anxiety creating anxiety in others, creating challenging behaviour, believing danger occurs when it does not.
De-sensitised..under-estimating responses.
Not responding to danger when it occurs.

13. How to address dissociation
Educate person regarding coping skills.
Provide exercise to show how dissociation occurs.
Explore when it happens ..when vulnerable, anxious, tired, frightened.
Help to break habit…nudge if you see it.
Help client to do it themselves.. not so easy.

14. How to Address Regression
Educate person
Share you cannot regress unless you dissociate.
Explore what age or where they go.
Explore why they go… anxious, want attention, addictive, playing the victim..
Offer exercise about ‘tone of voice’
Use a grounding technique.. Lemon
Choose to change

15. Disorganised Thought Process
Help person notice when they do it.
Usually when they are anxious.
Explore what happens for them…
words do not come out
can’t think straight
can’t write as an adult

16. Sensory Impairment Educate about normal responses.
Help person develop a reality check.

17. Outcome
Spending time on these 4 issues provides permanent outcomes such as;
Maturity or Increased Maturity
Changed behaviour
Increased self esteem
Increased confidence
Assertive skills
Living in the adult ego state.