Transforming Dissociative Blocking and Restoring Connection in Complex Relational Trauma: An Attachment-focused, Intra-relational Parts Work Approach

 Earn 3 CE Contact Hours

Dissociative blocking is one of the most common and confusing challenges in treating complex relational trauma—a moment when clients suddenly go blank, lose words, feel detached from their bodies, or appear far away just as something vital begins to emerge. These rapid shifts in presence and affect can leave both client and therapist uncertain how to proceed. This 3-hour seminar offers a clear, step-by-step approach to help therapists recognize, understand, and gently transform these dissociative states.

Through didactic teaching, a clinical video example, and interactive discussion, participants will learn a process for working with dissociative blocking — from recognizing early markers to restoring emotional engagement. Drawing primarily from AEDP psychotherapy, this training demonstrates how to use attachment-focused, experiential, and intra-relational parts work interventions to re-establish safety, contact, and access to affect—without overwhelming the system.

By the end, participants will have a practical map for navigating moments of disconnection, applying relational interventions that help clients move from guardedness to genuine emotional contact—laying the groundwork for integration and healing in complex trauma treatment.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Describe five practical steps for recognizing and working through dissociative blocking.
• Use relational and parts work techniques to help clients stay connected when blocking occurs.
• Support clients in moving from disconnection to emotional contact and integration.

Who Should Attend:

Mental health professionals treating complex trauma who want hands-on techniques to navigate dissociative blocking, restore client connection, and support integration.

Meet Michael Mondoro:

Michael Mondoro, LCSW, is an AEDP Institute Adjunct Faculty Member, Certified Therapist and Supervisor specializing in complex relational trauma, dissociation, and parts work. He integrates attachment-based, somatic, and experiential approaches to help clients reconnect, heal, and flourish.