Pathological dissociation is a common yet under-recognised presentation in children and adolescents, affecting an estimated 28-45% of young people in psychiatric outpatient settings. It is strongly associated with trauma exposure and linked to poorer clinical outcomes, including increased risk of self-injury and suicide attempts. Despite this, many clinicians report limited training and low confidence in identifying and responding to dissociation in practice.
Dr Bronwyn Milkins will provide an overview of pathological dissociation in children and adolescents, with a focus on its relationship to complex trauma. Key concepts covered will include how dissociation functions as an adaptive response to overwhelming experiences, developmental differences in how it presents across childhood and adolescence, and common challenges in recognising dissociation in clinical settings. The session will also introduce practical, evidence-based approaches to assessment and intervention that can be integrated into everyday clinical work.
You will learn:
- How to recognise signs of pathological dissociation in children and adolescents, including dissociative or transitional identities
- The link between dissociation and different types of trauma
- Developmentally informed ways dissociation may present across different age groups
- Practical strategies for assessing dissociation in routine clinical practice
- Evidence-based approaches to supporting young people who experience dissociation.
About our presenter: Dr Bronwyn Milkins (she/her)
Dr Bronwyn Milkins is a Senior Research Officer in the Healing Kids Healing Families team at The Kids Research Institute Australia. She is also a registered psychologist with clinical experience working with young people who dissociate. She has published and co-authored peer-reviewed articles on dissociation and, in 2025, trained 100+ mental health clinicians in dissociation with statistically significant improvements in knowledge and confidence.
Bronwyn holds a PhD in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Western Australia, a Master of Psychology (Professional) from Curtin University, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Sexology from Curtin University.
Webinar timing: 7:00 – 8:00 pm AEST
Access to the recording of this webinar: A recording of this webinar will be available through the CPD Webinar Library, but for the best experience and the opportunity to ask your questions, join us live. Everyone who registers will be advised via email as soon as the recording is available. Members have unlimited access to the recording, and non-members will have access for 6 months.