The DNMS Study Course
Course Overview
The 7-module Home Study Course teaches psychotherapists how to competently execute each DNMS protocol. It covers everything a therapist needs to know to begin treating clients with the DNMS - from ego state therapy basics, to how to execute the protocols, to how to handle protocol complications and blocks. Each Course module (described in detail below) consists of a narrated slide show and an illustrated study guide. The slide shows explain key concepts with animated illustrations. Review questions are provided throughout the slide shows to check comprehension of the material. Modules 3-7 include recordings of real sessions, to demonstrate specific protocols. The slide shows are provided on a single DVD (or 7 CDs) which will play on most Windows-based and Macintosh computers. The study guides provide an outline of all the material covered in the slide shows. The Module 2-7 study guides include study questions and answers. You can see what the Home Study Course slide shows are like by watching a 25-min Introduction to the DNMS slide show. Click here to see this intro slide show.
Who Should Take the Course
- Therapists who are new to the DNMS and interested in learning the model,
- DNMS workshop alumni who wish to learn the latest model refinements,
- Practicing DNMS therapists who wish to master the model, and
- DNMS therapists who wish to become certified.
If you have already taken a DNMS workshop or read a DNMS book, be aware that:
This model has evolved in significant ways since the first DNMS book and workshop were offered in 2002. Click here to test your knowledge of the DNMS to learn if the Home Study Course may be right for you. If you have taken a DNMS training between 2002-2006, you may be eligible for a discount when you purchase all 7 Modules. Click here for more information about the alumni discount.
Module 0: Introduction to the DNMS Cost: Free
This is a 25-minute introductory slide show about the DNMS, for both clients and therapists. The Home Study Course modules will be similar in format to this slide show. Click here to see this slide show.
Module 1: DNMS Background and Overview Cost: $25.00
This module consists of a 63-minute slide show and a 19-page illustrated study guide. It provides a brief description of the basic principles, goals, and limitations of the model, a brief overview of the theoretical underpinnings, and descriptions of each DNMS protocol. It is intended to serve as an overview for therapists who are:
- considering studying the DNMS,
- beginning the whole Home Study Course, and/or
- wanting another tool for explaining the DNMS to their clients.
It covers the following:
What is the DNMS?
Parts of Self
- Reactive Parts
- Introjects
Blank Slate
Adaptive Introject
Maladaptive Introject
- Introjects and Reactive Parts Interact
Theoretical Foundation
About the Process
Resource Development Protocol
- Spiritual Core Self
- Nurturing and Protective Adult Self
- Healing Circle
Switching the Dominance Protocol
Protocols for Identifying & Healing the Most Important Child Parts
- Attachment Needs Ladder Questionnaire
- Conference Room Protocol
- Needs Meeting Protocol
Overcoming Processing Blocks
Concluding Remarks
About the Developer
Module 2: Ego State Therapy Basics Cost: $35.00
This module consists of a 80-minute slide show and a 28-page illustrated study guide with 40 study questions and answers. It provides a solid introduction to general ego state therapy principles, and DNMS-specific ego state therapy principles. It contains the background material necessary for understanding and executing the DNMS protocols taught in Modules 3-7.
It covers the following:
Background
Ego State Therapy: General Information
- Ego States/Parts of Self
- Self-System
- Ego State Therapies
- Executive Control & Recognizing Ego States in Clients
- Differing Points of View & Internal Conflicts
- Talking to Individual Parts of Self
- Tucking In
- System-Wide Announcement
Ego State Therapy: DNMS-Specific Information
- Reactive Parts
Powerless Reactive Parts
Controlling Reactive Parts
Reactive Mimics
Controlling Reactive Parts vs Reactive Mimics
- Introjects
Simple Maladaptive Introjects
Oppressive Maladaptive Introjects
Reactive Mimics vs Maladaptive Introjects
Introject “Mask” versus “Costume”
- Childhood Trauma Introjects
Unmet Needs Before a Trauma Happens
Unmet Needs During a Trauma
Unmet Needs After a Trauma Happens
Identifying Trauma-Related Introjects for Processing
- Other Types of Introjects
Concluding Remarks
Module 3: Resource Development Protocol Cost: $50.00
This module consists of a 91-minute slide show and 24-page illustrated study guide with 40 study questions and answers. It provides an in depth description of the Resource Development Protocol, including detailed instructions for handling potential complications. An audio track of a typical Resource Development session is embedded in the slide show.
It covers the following:
Protocol Overview
Nurturing Adult Self and Protective Adult Self
- Caregiver Skills & Traits
- Discussing Caregiving Experiences
- Checking for Blocks
- The Meditation
Spiritual Core Self
- Discussing Peak Spiritual Experiences
- Checking for Blocks
- Checking for Blocks
- Four Meditations
The Healing Circle
Sample Session of Resource Development Protocol (40 minutes)
Potential Complications
- Discussing Caregiving Experiences
Client Recalls Childhood Caregiving Experiences
Client Focuses on Caregiving Incompetencies
Client Denies Competent Caregiving Experiences
- Discussing Items on Caregiver Skill List
- Modifying the Caregiver Skill List
- Processing Blocks
Types of Blocks - Misunderstandings
Types of Blocks - Maladaptive Introjects
Overcoming Blocks - Misunderstandings
- Mental Pictures
Mental Pictures of the Nurturing and Protective Adult Self
Mental Picture of the Spiritual Core Self
Mental Picture of the Healing Circle
- Difficulty Visualizing the Resources
- Provisional Resources
- Alternate Wording for Healing Circle
- Common Therapist Errors
Concluding Remarks
Module 4: Switching the Dominance Protocol Cost: $65.00
This module consists of a 137-minute slide show and 35-page illustrated study guide with 50 study questions and answers. It provides an in depth description of the Switching the Dominance Protocol, including detailed instructions for handling potential complications. Two audio tracks, with typical Switching the Dominance sessions, are embedded in the slide show. The study guide also a Switching the Dominance Protocol worksheet.
It covers the following:
Protocol Overview
Review: Parts of Self
- Reactive Parts Overview
Powerless reactive parts
Controlling reactive parts
Reactive mimics
- Maladaptive Introjects Overview
Simple introjects
Oppressive introjects
- Parts of Self Can Appear as Metaphors
Identifying Introjects
- Treating Specific Current Issues
- Understanding the Client’s Experience
- Inviting Parts of Self Forward
An Internal Voice Delivering a Wounding Message
An Irrational Negative Belief or an Emotional Overreaction
- Classifying Parts of Self
- Chain Reaction
- Collecting Information About an Introject
Protocol Details
- Step 1: Permission to Speak to Child Behind Mask
- Step 2. Welcoming the Child Behind the Mask
- Step 3. Contrasting the True Nature of the Child with the Dysfunction of the Mask
- Step 4. Getting the Child Part’s Age
- Step 5. Explaining the Illusion of Significance
- Step 6. Checking on the Appearance of the Mask
- Step 7. Mini-Interventions Help Shift Dominance
- Step 8. Assessing the Mask’s Animation
- Step 9. Highlighting the Child Part’s Importance
- Step 10. Pocketing the Remains
- Step 11. Orienting the Child and Tucking In
- Step 12. Temporary Nature of the Shift
- Follow-up
Two Sample Sessions of the Switching the Dominance Protocol (57 minutes)
Potential Complications
- A Reactive Part Answers the Questions
- General Complications
Misunderstandings
“Introject” is Really a Reactive Mimic
Reactive Mimic? or Blocking Introject?
- Complications While Looking for the Introject
No part showing up
Powerless reactive parts showing up
- Problematic Introject Message
- Step 1 Complications
- Step 2 Complications
- Step 3 Complications
- Step 6 Complications
- Step 10 Complications
Other Protocol Issues
Concluding Remarks
Module 5: Selecting Ego States for Processing Cost: $70.00
This module consists of a 143-minute slide show and a 39-page illustrated study guide with 40 study questions and answers. It provides an in depth description of the steps for selecting ego states for the Needs Meeting Protocol, starting with a discussion of whether to address a client's attachment wounds, or a particular current problem. It explains how to use the DNMS Attachment Needs Ladder questionnaire and how to execute the Conference Room Protocol. It includes guidance for handling a number of potential complications that can arise while administering the questionnaire or the Conference Room Protocol. An audio track of a real session is embedded in the slide show. The study guide also includes four revised handouts: an Attachment Needs Ladder, a Conference Room Map template, and a Conference Room Protocol worksheet.
It covers the following:
Overview
Finding the Reactive Parts Associated with a Target Issue
Targeting a Specific Current Problem
Targeting Old Attachment Wounds
Administering the Attachment Needs Ladder
Conference Room Protocol
Step 1: Explaining the Process for the First Time
Step 2: Recording Information on the Conference Room Map
Step 3: Connecting to Resources
Step 4: Picturing the Conference Room
Step 5: Checking for Processing Blocks
Step 6: Inviting Child Parts Into the Conference Room
Step 7: Engaging the Most Upset Child Part
Step 8: Classifying the Part of Self that Appears Across the Table
What Might Appear
When the Classification is Difficult to Make
When a Reactive Part Appears
Step 9: Collecting Information about the Presumptive Introject
Step 10: Switching the Dominance
Step 11: Repeating Steps 7-10
Step 12: Preparing for the Needs Meeting Protocol
Starting the Needs Meeting Protocol Immediately
Starting the Needs Meeting Protocol Later
Sample Session (49 minutes)
Potential Complications
Belief Ratings Complications:
With a Current Problem
With the Attachment Needs Ladder
Step 5 Complications
Step 6 Complications
Step 8 Complications
Overwhelming Number of Introjects
Follow-up Rating Complications
Other Protocol Issues
Introducing the Process to Clients
Adult Parts Appear in the Conference Room
Reactive Parts Disappear in the Conference Room
More than One Part of Self is Wearing an Introject Mask or Costume
Resuming the Conference Room Protocol
Starting the Needs Meeting Right Away After a Resumed Conference Room Protocol
Concluding Remarks
Module 6: Needs Meeting Protocol Cost: $70.00
This module consists of a 149-minute slide show and a 43-page illustrated study guide with 40 study questions and answers. It provides an in depth description of each of the 20 steps to the Needs Meeting Protocol, including detailed instructions for handling potential complications. A audio track of a real needs meeting session is embedded in the slide show. The study guide also includes a revised Needs Meeting Protocol worksheet, and a guide for taking notes during a needs meeting session.
It covers the following:
Overview
The Needs Meeting Protocol
Step 1: Connecting to Resources
Step 2. Checking for Processing Blocks
Step 3. Inviting the Child Parts into the Healing Circle
Step 4. Strengthening the Sense of Safety
Step 5. Asking for a Generalization Effect
Step 6. Explaining the Process
Step 7. Meeting Needs
Step 8. Processing Painful Emotions
Step 9. Bonding With the Resources
Step 10. Heightening Awareness of the Adult Body
Step 11. Checking In
Step 12. Returning to the Wounding Experiences
Step 13. Returning to the Care of the Resources
Step 14. Repeating Steps 12 & 13
Step 15. Shifting Attention Back and Forth
Step 16. Checking In
Step 17. Strengthening a Positive Belief
Step 18. Tucking In the Child Parts
Step 19. Counting Up
Step 20. Checking on the Outcome
Sample Session (39 minutes)
Potential Complications
Fear of Losing a Familiar Sense of Identity
Unclear Replies Require Investigation
Aversive Reactions to the Processing
Premature Empathy for Wounding Role Models
Wishful Thinking
Child Parts are Fixated on the Past
An Upset Adult Self Interrupts the Processing
Step 1 Complications
Step 7 Complications
Step 8 Complications
Step 9 Complications
Step 16 Complications
Step 20 Complications
Incomplete Processing
Other Protocol Issues
Explaining the Needs Meeting Protocol to Clients
Strengthening Positives with Alternating Bilateral Stimulation (ABS)
Dialogue Between Child Parts and the Resources
Child Parts Report Needs in the Negative
Needing Parents to Meet a Need
Child Parts “Need” a Positive Trait
If the Resources Had Been Your Parents Then…
Processing Other Painful Emotions
Painful Emotions Arise Early in Step 7
Getting the Strongest Positive Belief
Interruption While Tucking In Child Parts
Closing an Unfinished Protocol
Resuming an Unfinished Protocol
Concluding Remarks
Module 7: Overcoming Processing Blocks Cost: $60.00
This module consists of a 116-minute slide show and a 19-page illustrated study guide with 20 study questions and answers. It provides the core information needed to identify and handle processing blocks that are due to misunderstandings, maladaptive introjects, and issues with the Resources. It provides information not covered in the Potential Complications sections of Modules 3-6. A one-page Overcoming Processing Blocks Flowchart is including to simplify the learning process. Nine audio tracks of real sessions are embedded in the slide show, to provide examples of working through simple complications and complex blocks.
It covers the following:
Overview
Encouraging Clients to Disclose Processing Blocks
Sudden versus Preexisting Disturbance
Complications with the Resources
Diagnosing Resource Complications
Addressing Resource Complications
Eliciting the Concern
Classifying the Concern
Handling Misunderstandings
Handling Blocking Introjects
Starting with a Negative Belief
Starting with a Wounding Message
Verifying a Block Has Been Cleared
Two Paths to Resolving Blocks
Session Excerpts (9 excerpts, 63 minutes total)
Concluding Remarks
Course Completion
Once you have completed your study of each of the seven Modules, you'll need to officially "Complete the Course." This can be done quite easily online. It involves taking a simple true/false Test for each Module, "signing" an Attestation Statement, and filling out a Course Evaluation Form. Click here for access to the Course Completion page. When you've completed the Course, we will list your name and phone number on this web site with other DNMS therapists who have completed the Course. (See the DNMS Referrals section below.) Once you've completed the Course, you can pay a small additional fee for 20 CEs. Click here for more information about CEs.
DNMS Referrals
The Find a DNMS Therapist page of this web site includes a link to list the names, licenses, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of serious DNMS students. There will ultimately be three lists - lists of therapists who have (a) purchased Course Modules, (b) officially completed the Course, and (c) become Certified. Be aware that, when you order the Course, the name, license, city, office phone number, and e-mail address that appears on the order form will go on the Find a DNMS Therapist page, unless some other request is made.
