Trauma and Dissociation Unit Patient information brochure

Transcription

1 Trauma and Dissociation Unit Patient information brochure

2 Introduction The Trauma and Dissociation Unit (TDU), Belmont Private Hospital was established in It offers both inpatient and day patient programs for individuals who are suffering with the complex sequelae of long-term developmental traumas. Such sequelae include dissociative disorders, post traumatic disorder and a proneness to chronic dysphoria. As well such individuals have experienced the impact of trauma on personality development, affective stability, sexual functioning, sleeping patterns and on a propensity to utilise a range of self-harming/self soothing strategies. Not infrequently such individuals are struggling with ambivalent attachments and how to maintain a basic level of safety. The vast majority have lived long-term in environments in which safety and trust were infrequently experienced and where boundaries were not much in evidence. Patients treated in TDU for the most part, in addition to their dissociative disorder would fulfill diagnostic criteria for a range of trauma spectrum DSM-IV specific conditions.

3 Admission Criteria Patients with dissociative and related disorders including: Dissociative Identity Disorder Dissociative Disorder (not otherwise specified) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder The ability to develop and maintain personal safety strategies. Motivation for growth and commitment to work constructively on some specific area of trauma or abuse which has a clearly identified therapeutic goal. Referral from a psychiatrist with admitting rights to Belmont Private Hospital, or via other Doctors making generic referrals to the unit. Program Outline The recommended length of stay is 3 weeks. The clinical team believes that shorter time limited admissions encourage a more focused approach on specific goals of treatment. The program is made up of four main parts: 1. The Group Program: This is a mixture of creative, discussion and expressive groups. The program runs a theme for the week and all groups relate to this theme. The topic of the week is chosen by the patient group in at the time. The program combines insight oriented, problem solving and educational approaches. There is also a strong focus on boundary development and maintenance.

4 2. Consultations with Psychiatrists: Patients will be seen by their psychiatrist at regular intervals during their stay. The unit welcomes admissions from interstate patients. These patients will be allocated a psychiatrist to oversee their care throughout the course of their stay. It is expected that patients will return to their primary treating psychiatrist or psychologist on their discharge to continue their outpatient therapy. 3. Individual Sessions: The opportunity to discuss issues on an individual basis is an integral part of the program. Patients are reviewed on a daily basis to assess their mental state and provide ongoing support. The clinical team will work with patients to assist them in developing a better understanding of their behaviours and responses. A large part of this process is in assisting patients to widen their range of coping strategies and add healthier more sustainable options to their repertoire. This is especially helpful when dealing with crises and emotional discomfort. The unit has developed a workbook from which handouts are often used to assist in understanding and processing issues. Examples of topics covered in the unit handbook include safety, grounding and boundaries. 4. Individual Work: TDU is a working unit and as such there is an expectation that patients who attend the unit have a goal or purpose. Often for a first admission the goal or purpose

5 is to establish a rapport with the unit and determine if they can work with our model of care. Other goals may include developing safety strategies, working on a specific memory or learning coping skills. Program Goals The goals of the Trauma and Dissociation are to: Facilitate a sense of safety and security Assist and support patient s as they work on past abuse and trauma issues Promote the development of management strategies which enhance safety Encourage a sense of empowerment through the recognition of internal resources Promote skill building, which enable patients to plan effectively for the future, enhance existing social and work functioning and deal constructively with day to day functioning There is a consistent emphasis in the program on approaches, which emphasise personal responsibility, consideration of others, and patients active involvement in their treatment. Expectations regarding such issues are addressed prior to, and at admission. Patients are asked to sign an agreement on admission which outlines both the hospital and unit guidelines

6 TDU DAY PROGRAM TDU offers a day program to provide ongoing support for patients who have attended the unit. The program is offered on Tuesdays and Fridays from 09.00am 12.00pm with individual time available as an adjunct to the group therapy sessions. Programs are sent out every month via to those who have an active account, otherwise arrangements can be made for your program to be mailed to you or picked up at the unit when you attend. RESEARCH TDU has had an active research program since its inception and an ongoing series of papers by individuals associated with the unit regarding trauma and dissociation, have been published in Australian and international journals. By maintaining active research and by being involved in convening and participating in cutting edge seminars and conferences, TDU has been well positioned to remain very up to date with international developments in the trauma and dissociation field and for TDU staff to apply such knowledge in constantly updating the focus and the content of the unit programs. From time to time studies are undertaken which investigate aspects of trauma and dissociation. Participation in these studies is always confidential and it is non compulsory. Patients are given a full explanation should they take part and must sign a form indicating informed consent.

7 Future Opportunities The unit welcomes enquiries from nurses, allied health professionals and other suitably trained workers in the field, regarding employment and research opportunities. Psychiatrists who wish to establish links with the unit are also encouraged to contact the unit. Services available from the Belmont Private Hospital include Specialised Units Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Unit / Acute Admission Unit / General Psychiatric Disorders Unit / Trauma and Dissociation Unit / Special Care Unit / Post Natal Disorder Specialised Programs Dual Diagnosis / Mood Disorders Program / Cognitive Behaviour Therapy / Post Natal Follow-up / Dissociative Disorder Program / Outreach Community Service Other Services Consultant Liaison Psychiatry / Assessment & Admission Service Model of Care In-patient care / Day Programs / Evening Programs / Psycho-educational Group Program / Diversional Group Program / Relaxtion, Music, Yoga Therapy Facilities Natural bushland setting / Swimming pool / Close to Carindale Shopping Centre / Ease of access via Private and Public Transport. Belmont Private Hospital is a licensed Mental Health Service with Queensland Health and has maintained continuous accreditation status with the Australian Council on Health Care Standards (ACHS) since Belmont is an authorised Mental Health Service under the Queensland Mental Health Act The hospital plays an active role in community mental health education. The hospital is also actively involved with the under-graduate and post-graduate education of health professionals from a range of disciplines including: medicine, nursing, psychology, occupational therapy, and social work students. Senior psychiatric registrars also undertake their training at the hospital. If you would like to know more Please contact Belmont Private Hospital on or by belmont.info@healthecare.com.au