top of page
Wood Nymph running in woods.png

Five-part training on Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) by Timothy D. Brewerton, MD

5 CMEs/CNEs/CEUs are available for the course*

Sharpen is honored to collaborate with Timothy D. Brewerton, MD to offer a five-part training on Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) called “The Integration of Sylvia the Wood Nymph.”  The series begins with a therapy session in which Dr. Brewerton discovers that a woman who came to him for help with her depression and binge eating, in actuality, suffered from dissociative identity disorder (DID) and a history of heartbreaking trauma.  This moving case inspired his clinical research interest in trauma and eating disorders (ED) for the decades that would follow.

230420-1406487-2_320x400.jpg

"I attended this course in a previous workshop presentation given on trauma and eating disorders by Dr Brewerton.  I can genuinely say that attending this presentation was life-changing for me.  Dr. Brewerton's work inspired me to shift my professional emphasis to trauma and dissociation and to open a center focusing on the treatment of traumatic stress disorders.  Once you understand clinical cases through a trauma lens, as Dr Brewerton adeptly illustrates here, so many symptoms (and the persistence of symptoms in complex cases) make sense as patient tools for survival.  Dr. Brewerton captures this case, and the beautiful, intricate treatment that he offered Sylvia, in a fascinating, compassionate, and respectful way.  You will be invested in this case for the duration of the course and more!"

Julie Friedman, Ph.D., CEDS

  • Assistant Professor, Northwestern University Medical School, Department of Psychiatry

  • Co-Founder & Executive Clinical Director, Skyway Behavioral Health

In the course, participants will view archival video clips taken at various stages during the course of treatment that illustrate the dissociative process and the presence of the various alters identified.  As Dr. Brewerton connects with Sylvia’s different alters as she processes her extensive traumas, participants will have a rare opportunity to observe the process of her full integration.

*this activity has been planned and implemented by Amedco LLC and Galen Mental Health. Amedco LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and theAmerican Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcareteam.Amedco Joint Accreditation Provider Number: 4008163. Download all CE information here

sylvia video image.png
hhower_photo_.jpg

“This course offers a unique view of a thorough case study on an individual with DID who is able to successfully integrate her ‘alters’ through the course of therapy with Dr. Brewerton. As a participant in a prior related workshop presentation by Dr. Brewerton, I can reaffirm that the Sylvia case is fascinating, Dr. Brewerton has very thoughtfully compiled and edited the video clips and related transcriptions over the course of decades, and gives you a comprehensive view of a therapeutic process that will never be captured in the same way.”

Heather Hower, MSW, LICSW, QCSW, ACSW

  • Faculty Associate Specialist - Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, CA.

  • Faculty Research Associate - Hassenfeld Child Innovation Institute, Brown University, School of Public Health, Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Providence, RI.

Dr. Brewerton illustrates how these “alters” or ego states take on specific adaptive functions and separate identities, which protect the self and are often archetypal in nature. Notably, one of the alters in this case engaged in severe binge eating and purposeful weight gain as a form of soothing and self-protection.  Evolving concepts from psychotherapy theory, epidemiology and neuroscience are highlighted during the presentation. 

The use of non-identifying clinical information and video clips during this part of the presentation is being done with the complete, written informed consent of the patient.

  • Includes access for one individual

  • 5-hour course featuring Dr. Brewerton and Sylvia

  • Downloadable pdf of training slides and Sylvia's transcripts

Terms of use.

License is good for one clinician / provider access to Dr. Brewerton’s course.  For group rates, please contact us at info@sharpenminds.com.

  • Includes access for one institutional / educational screening license

  • Ability to screen 5-hour course featuring Dr. Brewerton and Sylvia

  • Downloadable pdf of training slides and Sylvia's transcripts

Terms of use.

This license is good for lifetime for nonprofit or institutional educational screening purposes to Dr. Brewerton’s course.  For for-profit or one-time public screening licenses, please contact us at info@sharpenminds.com.

43212-1825887-3_320x400.jpg

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to endorse Dr. Tim Brewerton’s course on ‘The Integration of Sylvia.’ This course will guide you through the long-term treatment process of integration and recovery of an illustrative case of DID using selected segments of videotaped original psychotherapy sessions. Dr. Brewerton shares his rational for specific interventions throughout the training.  He is a psychiatrist that has researched and studied both trauma and eating disorders for the last 4 decades. He is skilled in psychopharmacology, a prolific researcher with numerous published studies, papers and books, but is also a gifted clinician and teacher. This course will provide the new clinician or the most seasoned professional with unique insights into treating this most challenging clinical population.”

Amy Baker Dennis, Ph.D., FAED, DACT

  • Dennis, Moye, Branstetter and Associates, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

  • Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

70450-1751107-2_320x400.jpg

“I highly recommend Dr. Timothy Brewerton’s course, ‘The Integration of Sylvia the Wood Nymph’ to all clinicians who encounter and treat trauma in their patients (that would be all clinicians).  Dissociative Identity Disorder is much more common than previously thought.  It can be difficult to recognize and very challenging to treat.  Being able to actually see in archival footage how Sylvia’s DID comes to light in her treatment for other symptoms and how Dr. Brewerton is able to help her integrate is truly a gift.  Dr. Brewerton is known for his many publications and research on trauma and eating disorders, and he is also an amazing teacher who walks us through how to understand the adaptive function of different identities so that they can be safely integrated.”  

Theresa Fassihi, PHD, FAED, CEDS-SExecutive Director, Encourage Trauma Center, Houston, TX

Dr. Brewerton is working with the Founders of Sharpen, Robyn Hussa Farrell and Tim Farrell to produce a feature documentary about DID.  To get involved, please visit SylviaDoc.com.

Prior Presentations of this Series

Brewerton TD: “The Integration of Sylvia the ‘Wood Nymph’ & the Role of PTSD/Dissociation in Eating Disorders.” Pre-Conference Workshop at the 25th International San Diego Summit of the Institute on Violence and Aggression and Trauma. San Diego, CA, September 2, 2020.


Brewerton TD: “The Integration of Sylvia the “Wood Nymph” & the Role of PTSD/Dissociation in Eating Disorders.” Pre-Conference Workshop at The World Congress on Complex Trauma and Dissociation, Annual Conference of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, San Francisco, CA, March 13, 2020 (cancelled due to COVID-19).


Brewerton TD: “How My First Case of Dissociative Identity Disorder Ignited My Passion to Investigate the Clinical Science of Eating Disorders, Trauma, and Trauma-Related Disorders.” Pre-Conference Workshop at the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals Symposium 2019, Palm Desert, CA, February 6, 2019.


Invited Speaker, “Eating Disorders, Trauma, and Trauma-Related Disorders: A Case of DID and an Overview of the Clinical Science.” Pre-Conference Workshop at the Annual Conference of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, Chicago, IL, March 22, 2018.


Invited Speaker, “Trauma, Dissociation and Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Case Study,” Spring 2013 North Dakota Behavioral Health Conference, Bismarck, ND, May 15, 2013.


Invited Speaker, “Trauma, Dissociation, and Dissociative Identity Disorder: Complexes, Archetypes and Alters,” Charleston Jung Society, Charleston, SC, February 11, 2012.


Invited Speaker, "The Diagnosis and Treatment of Dissociative Disorders," Orangeburg Mental Health Center, Orangeburg, SC, August 27, 1999.


Invited Speaker, "Eating Disorders" and "Dissociative Disorders, " Annual Board Review Course of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Chicago, IL, June 26, 1997.


Invited Speaker, "An Overview of the Dissociative Disorders," presented at the workshop, “Helping to Heal: Working with Dissociative Identity Disorder,” Medical University of South Carolina Institute of Psychiatry, Charleston, SC, May 16, 1997.


Invited Speaker, “Dissociative Disorders,” College of Charleston Altered States of Consciousness Course, Charleston, SC, 1996. 


Components of this course have been presented in various lectures on dissociative disorders given to PGY-2, PGY-3, PGY-4, and PGY-5 psychiatry residents, child-adolescent psychiatry fellows, psychology interns, and other trainees, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 1990-present. 

Heidi Strickler.jpg

"As someone who has worked with both eating disorders and dissociation, including DID, for many years, it is often difficult to find continuing education that grants new and insightful information.  Dr. Timothy Brewerton's presentation with Sylvia provided exceptional case conceptualization, compassionate treatment, and an overall depiction of the challenges so often present with complex clients.  This presentation holds valuable information for clinicians who work with both eating disorders and trauma, regardless of length of practice, which is a valuable treasure when seeking continuing education."

Heidi Strickler, PhD, LCSW-S, CEDS-S, CART, CTLS

  • Associate Director of Foster Care & Special Programs, UnitedHealthcare Community & State, Maryland Heights, MO, USA

  • Owner and Psychotherapist, Sunset Hills, MO, USA

Courtney-Armstrong.jpg

“I’ve been to many international conferences and presentations over the last decade and this was by far my favorite. It’s nearly impossible to truly depict how valuable the video clips of Dr Brewerton’s sessions with Sylvia are.”  

Courtney Armstrong, R.D.

  • Eating disorder dietitian

  • Owner, My Simply Nutrition, LLC, Columbia, SC

CME
bottom of page