February 2026
Somatic Special Interest Group (SIG) Workshop
including Q&A
Friday, February 27, 2026
9:00am-12:00pm
Online Via Zoom
3 CE Credits
Working with Dissociative Identity Disorder
with Cristina Mardirossian, LMFT
DID is very often misdiagnosed, misunderstood, and not taken seriously. Many of these clients have been diagnosed as bipolar, borderline, schizophrenic, etc., when in reality they have a dissociative disorder. This presentation will help you understand the complexities in working with clients with DID, how to assess for it, and how to treat it.
Based on the International Society for the Study of Dissociation (ISSTD) Guidelines for Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder, this workshop will address current theories of Complex-PTSD and dissociation, including case conceptualization, treatment planning, and phase-oriented therapy. This workshop is geared towards mental health professionals who are interested in developing their skills in treating clients with chronic trauma-related dissociative disorders.
Educational Goals/Learning Objectives:
Participants will leave this workshop with an understanding of how to recognize signs of complex trauma and dissociation. Participants will have the tools to assess for dissociative disorders and how to structure therapy to be effective for this clientele.
By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:
- Describe what is Dissociation.
- Identify at least 2 symptoms of dissociation.
- Identify at least 2 alter systems in DID.
- Identify at least 2 treatment strategies when working with DID.
Presenter:
Cristina Mardirossian, LMFT (she/her) is the founder and director of Pasadena Trauma Therapy, based in Pasadena, California. A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and certified EMDR clinician, Cristina creates an affirming and inclusive space, deeply committed to working with adult trauma survivors facing Complex PTSD—including sexual, emotional, and physical abuse, neglect, dissociation, trafficking, and other dissociative disorders such as OSDD and DID. Her approach centers on Parts Work through an Internal Family Systems (IFS) lens, helping individuals recognize their internal “parts” that hold emotional and coping responses. She believes in “All Parts All Welcome,” helping clients unburden parts shaped by trauma and reconnect with their inherent capacity for healing. Cristina employs a variety of trauma-informed modalities—EMDR, Brainspotting, the Trauma Resiliency Module, Havening Techniques®, TF-CBT, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Complex Trauma Certification (CCTP) training—to tailor therapy to each individual’s needs. Cristina is also a trusted consultant and mentor, providing speaking engagements, workshops, and diagnostic consultation services for other mental health professionals. Her website is: www.PasadenaTraumaTherapy.com
For more information, contact Course Organizer/CE Networking Chair Shiji Yuan or Past Special Interest Group (SIG) Chair Sandi Bohle.
Event Details:
For: Licensed Therapists, Associates, Students, & Related Professionals
When: Friday, February 27, 2026 from 9:00am-12:00pm
8:30-9:00: Check-In
9:00: Meeting/Presentation Begins
12:00: Meeting/Presentation & Related Announcements End
12:00-12:30: Participant Announcements (optional)
If you are interested in expanding your professional networking, sign up for Participant Announcements when you register. This segment is from 11:00am-11:30am, and is an optional 1/2 hour after the presentation.
After the presentation we will provide you with a link to a simple online test and evaluation questionnaire. When the test questions and the evaluation are completed, you will be provided with an online CE Certificate that can be personalized with your name and license information and either printed or saved on your computer.
Where: Online Via Zoom (Your registration confirmation email will include the Zoom link and instructions for accessing the event. A reminder email will be sent prior to the event.)
Cost:
$40 for LA-CAMFT / Other Chapter / CSCSW Members
$20 for LA-CAMFT / Other Chapter Prelicensed Members
$55 for Non-Members
$35 for Prelicensed Non-Members
*Registration closes Thursday, February 26 at 10:00pm.*
(To be sure you receive any information we send prior to the event, please add networkingchair@lacamft.org to your known contacts or safe list and check your bulk, junk or promotions mailboxes for any emails from us about this event.)
Register online today! We look forward to seeing you on Zoom.
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CAMFT Approved Continuing Education Provider 59450. LA-CAMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for MFTs, LPCCs, and/or LCSWs. LA-CAMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.
This course meets the qualifications for 3 continuing education credits for MFTs, LPCCs, and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
To receive CE certificate: Participants must sign in/sign out, and must complete an evaluation form upon course completion. For a Course Schedule, please contact Course Organizer at NetworkingChair@LACAMFT.org.
Refund policy: 48-hour notice required for refund of fee minus $5.00 administrative cost. Exceptions can be made for 48-hour notice in cases of emergency. Contact Course Organizer at NetworkingChair@LACAMFT.org.
Accommodations for Special Needs: Contact Course Organizer at NetworkingChair@LACAMFT.org.
Grievances: Program Administrator/CFO manages all grievances—and will acknowledge, investigate and remedy grievances. Response to grievances will be made in writing within 30 days. Contact them at cfo@lacamft.org.
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