Classes from October 9 – December 4, 2024

10:00 am – 12:00 p.m. (Eastern time)

Step 1: register for the class (green register here button on the left)
Step 2: purchase the 16 hour webinar (green link button on the right).

If you've purchased the 10 hour webinar, we will email you a discount code to upgrade

DNMS Overview

The DNMS is a therapy approach developed by Shirley Jean Schmidt. It’s a state-of-the-art treatment for adult clients suffering the effects of childhood wounding — the kind that leads to dissociated child parts stuck in a painful past. These easily-triggered child parts drive many of the unwanted behaviors, beliefs, emotions, and urges clients seek therapy to treat. The DNMS focuses on healing the attachment wounds at the root of these symptoms by connecting wounded child parts to inner attachment-figure Resources. As child parts form a secure attachment to these nurturing Resources they feel seen, heard, understood, valued, and loved — often for the first time. As more and more child parts heal this way, clients become more stable and better able to regulate emotions. The more symptom relief they report. The DNMS is helpful for all therapists who work with adults wounded in childhood, but it’s especially helpful for EMDR therapists who struggle to prepare dissociative, attachment-wounded clients for trauma processing.

  • “This training exceeded my expectations. It's a game-changer for any therapist seeking to enhance their ability to facilitate transformative healing for their clients.” – Traci Powell 

    “I loved everything about this class. I wholeheartedly recommend this course!” – Loan M. Pham

    “I thoroughly enjoyed the hybrid format and felt it met my learning style perfectly!” – CJ DeMarco 

    “I would highly recommend this class. It was incredibly well done. Lynn was a fantastic teacher who modeled the spirit of DNMS in her teaching style.” – Dr. Elizabeth Raese

    “This training was absolutely fantastic. The best learning experience of my career.” – Marlene Furey 

    “Lynn was absolutely fabulous at teaching. I highly recommend this course to ALL clinicians!” – Stephanie Cruz-Trevino

    “This was an excellent class! It was well planned and provided so much information.” – Melissa Finley 

    “I thoroughly enjoyed the class and learned so much that is very useful for my clients.” – Cathryn Parke

The 9-Week Hybrid Training

This training teaches DNMS interventions for getting a history, mobilizing Resources, establishing a Special Safe Place, stabilizing wounded parts, and more. It combines the flexibility and economy of a self-study webinar with the nurturing intimacy of a small, interactive class focused on practice. And because it’s fully online, you can do it all from the comfort of your home or office. Here’s how it works:

Self-Study Lesson: Each week you’ll watch a weekly lesson from either of two 16-Hour DNMS On-Demand Webinars. (Some weeks there’s a short reading assignment, too.) To prepare for class discussions, you’ll answer a list of case vignette questions. Then the day before class you’ll submit answers to a short quiz, along with questions you’d like answered in class. It can take about 3-4 hours each week to complete all the self-study assignments.

  • Week 1 (Modules 1 and 2) Background and Case Conceptualization

    Week 2 (Module 3) Getting a History and Introducing DNMS

    Week 3 (Module 4 - 1st half) Mobilizing Resources

    Week 4 (Module 4 - 2nd half) Special Safe Place and Therapy Goal

    Week 5 (Module 5) Key Stabilization Interventions

    Week 6 (Module 6) Psychoeducation and Enmeshment Management

    Week 7 (Module 7) Control Reactive Parts

    Week 8 (Module 8) Overcoming Processing Blocks

    Week 9 (Module 9, 10, 11) Attunement and Concluding Topics

Interactive Online Classes: Classes will meet for 2 hours once a week on Zoom, for 9 weeks. Each class is structured around 3 tasks: (1) a brief lesson review, (2) a question and answer period, and (3) practice with case vignettes. Time permitting, students will also discuss how their DNMS practice is going.

Practice by Case Vignette: It’s easy to watch a lesson and understand a concept. It’s harder to put it into practice. Over the 9 weeks, you’ll be challenged to answer dozens of case vignette questions on multiple topics (like case conceptualization, Resource mobilization, and soothing oppositional parts). Each vignette is focused on a small piece of a larger intervention. As each small piece is mastered, skill with the whole intervention grows. Thoughtfully working through case-vignette questions before class, prepares you for a rich group discussion in class. Our aim is not to teach the one right answer for each vignette, because there can be many good answers. Our aim is to help you develop critical thinking skills to flexibly navigate case complexity with confidence.

  • Many trauma-treatment trainings pair classmates in practice dyads to treat each other’s traumas — with or without a facilitator checking in. While that can sometimes work well, there’s always a risk that the “therapist” classmate will be completely unprepared to guide a “client” classmate with a complex trauma history, through an unfamiliar protocol. To eliminate that risk, this hybrid training tests your application skills with multiple case vignettes covering a wide variety clients and presenting issues. This is a very safe way to make mistakes, learn, and grow — building skill and confidence quickly and effectively. Those who also want a practice dyad experience are encouraged to pair up with another classmate to practice on each other between classes — with or without the support of a skilled facilitator.

Benefits of the Training

Therapists skillful in working with dissociative clients are in high demand. This training provides an excellent foundation for treating dissociative, attachment-wounded clients by teaching therapists how to navigate the complex landscape of parts work.

  • “It's been transformative to my therapy!!! In just 9 weeks, I've begun to see significant change in client responses to trauma processing. I've done several other ego state trainings and this one by far is the easiest to conceptualize, put into practice, and clients feel relief and hope for long-term change.” – Nickole Moore

    “Enrolling in this course has been nothing short of transformative. Lynn’s warmth and expertise created a learning environment that felt safe and supportive, allowing me to absorb the material with ease. I am truly grateful.” – Amanda Strang

    “My case conceptualization and stabilization intervention skills for the thorough and thoughtful preparation of complex clients for trauma therapy have gotten a major boost, and my confidence for working with the wounded parts of clients' personalities has soared as a result of this training.” – Marlene Furey

    “I can't say enough good things about this class. This model is an answer for the most common ailment--attachment wounding. Lynn is an incredible teacher. Her loving encouragement shined through every interaction.” – Aliza Terris

    “Taking this 9-week course skyrocketed my learning, boosting my confidence. I've gained valuable insights into effective communication and learned strategies to inspire improvement in the health of my patients.” – Loan Pham

Basic DNMS Training Completion

To fulfill all the requirements of the Basic DNMS Training you’ll need to complete the 9-week Hybrid Class plus participate in 12 hours of consultation. At least 6 hours must be individual consultation with an approved DNMS consultant. The remainder can be in group consultation, provided you bring a case or question to the group.

When you complete week 9 of the Hybrid Class you’ll be added to a DNMS Consultation Group Listserv that’s just for class graduates. This will keep you notified of upcoming online consultation group meetings. (The cost to attend a 1-hour group is $50 US. Join when you want. Pay as you go.) Class participants will be given the option to pre-purchase 3-hour blocks of individual consultation sessions with Shirley Jean Schmidt at 20% off. Once you complete all 12 hours of consultation, we will add you to the DNMS website Find-a-Therapist Page with the designation “Completed Basic DNMS Training.”

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to…

1. Explain the significance of a client’s foundational stability.
2. Explain the significance of differentiating trauma and attachment wounding.
3. Describe the steps for getting an attachment history.
4. Describe 3 interventions that prepare clients for stabilizing wounded parts.
5. Describe 3 interventions for stabilizing wounded parts.
6. Describe 2 interventions for overcoming processing blocks.
7. Describe 2 concepts relevant to staying attuned while working with wounded parts.

Target Audience

This training contains beginning, intermediate, and advanced level content. It’s for licensed mental health professionals (or those on a path to becoming licensed) who work with adults wounded in childhood — especially those with attachment wounds and dissociative disorders.

How to Enroll

Because this is a hybrid training, enrollment requires two separate transactions.

You’ll subscribe to a self-study webinar on the DNMS Institute website, and you’ll register for the class here. If you already have a subscription for the on-demand, 16-hour webinar, you’ll just register for the class. If you have a subscription to the (recently-retired) 10-hour DNMS webinar, you’ll need to upgrade to the new 16-hour version. The DNMS Institute will deduct whatever you paid for the 10-hour webinar from the cost the 16-hour webinar. Email them to find out what that deduction will be and to get a coupon code.

1.  Subscribe to a Self-Study Webinar: If you do not already have our 16-hour, on-demand webinar, you’ll need to get one. Select one of two almost-identical webinars. If you frequently use EMDR or need EMDRIA credits, you’ll probably want the one titled How to Prepare Dissociative, Attachment-Wounded Clients for EMDR. Otherwise, select the one titled How to Stabilize Dissociative, Attachment-Wounded Clients. Click here to connect to a full description of both webinars. Both webinars cost $365 US. You may subscribe right away and start watching your webinar anytime.

2.  Register for the Live, Online Class: I will be teaching 9 consecutive classes on Wednesdays from October 9 to December 4, 2024. Classes will meet from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Eastern time). The cost will be $1080 US — payable in one payment or three payments of $360. Cancelations with refund will incur a $50 processing fee.

Getting the DNMS Book

Soon after you register for the 9-week class and get the webinar, you’ll be given access to a PDF copy of the 2020 DNMS book. Some lesson assignments are in this book. The PDF is not downloadable. It’s only viewable online. If you want a second version of the book, the Amazon Kindle version is downloadable and easily read on any device without an internet connection. Or you can order the paperback from the DNMS Institute website or or from Amazon. If you’re not in the US, it’s best to order it from your local Amazon Marketplace. Amazon will print the book in your country, and mail it from your country.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I pay for the class in multiple payments?
    Yes, you have the option of making three payments. The first before Class 1, the second before Class 4, and third before Class 7..

  • How much class participation is expected?
    You are expected to make every effort to attend each class and actively participate. The small class size makes it possible to include everyone in class discussions. Everyone’s camera will remain on during class.

  • How much time should I set aside each week to prepare for class?
    Expect to spend 3-4 hours each week, watching the lesson, completing the homework, and answering case vignette questions.

  • I'm not sure I'll have 3-4 hours each week for self-study. What are my options?
    You could save about 60-90 minutes each week by watching the entire 16-hour webinar before classes begin. Then the week before class, refresh your memory of the lesson content by reading the applicable section of the webinar handout. That will prepare you to submit the weekly homework, and answer the case-vignette practice questions.

  • What if I have to miss a class?
    If you must miss a class due to a preplanned event or an unplanned emergency, you’ll still be expected to do the self-study assignment and submit homework. I will email you a recording of the class along with quiz questions about the class discussion. Correct answers to the quiz will serve as verification you watched the recording — verification that’s required to complete the training and get CEs for the whole class.

  • How many classes can I miss?
    No more than two. Missing more than 2 live classes puts your participation status in review. That means working with me to figure out a plan to meet all the training requirements.

  • When is the class homework due?
    Homework is due at least 24 hours before the class. Along with your homework, you’ll submit questions you want me to answer in class. Submitting questions in advance gives me time to thoroughly and thoughtfully prepare your answers. Questions that get submitted late may not get answered in class.

  • Can I get case consultation in class?
    Each week I will answer questions about the weekly lesson. If a simple case-consultation question is relevant to the current lesson, then yes. But there will not be time in class to take a deep dive into complex cases. Seek individual consultation for questions like that.

  • May I share class materials or recordings with others?
    No. Sharing class recordings or class materials (like practice-prep questions and answers) is not permitted without my permission.

Continuing Education Credit

When you complete the Hybrid Training you’ll get two Certificates of Completion — one from the DNMS Institute for the self-study webinar and one from the teacher for the interactive online class. Most US therapists can get 16 CEs for the self-study webinar and 18 CEs for the interactive class. Check below to verify you’re covered.

No EMDRIA Credits for the Class

You can get 16 EMDRIA credits upon completion of the 16-hour self-study EMDR preparation webinar, but the we provide no EMDRIA Credits for the 9-week interactive class.

Professional CEs for the Class

This online, interactive class is cosponsored by the Institute on Violence, Abuse, and Trauma (IVAT), based in San Diego, CA.

Psychologists (except for New York): The Institute on Violence, Abuse, and Trauma (IVAT) is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Psychologists will receive 18 hours of continuing education credit upon completing this program.

California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) now accepts American Psychological Association continuing education credit for license renewal. LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCCs, and LEPs will receive 18 hours of continuing education credit upon completing this program.

Counselors: LPCs, LCPCs, MHCs, and LMHCs will receive 18 CEs in states where any scope-of-practice continuing education is accepted, or where continuing education credits approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) are accepted. Policies vary from state to state and can change year to year. Please check your state licensing board rules to determine if you’re covered.

Marriage & Family Therapists: LMFTs will receive 18 CEs in states where any scope-of-practice continuing education is accepted, or where continuing education credits approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) are accepted. Policies vary from state to state and can change year to year. Please check your state licensing board rules to determine if you’re covered.

Social Workers: Social Workers will receive 18 CEs in states where any scope-of-practice continuing education is accepted, or where continuing education credits approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) are accepted. Policies vary from state to state and can change year to year. Please check your state licensing board rules to determine if you’re covered.

Nurses (except for Iowa): IVAT is approved by the California Board of Registered Nurses to offer continuing education for California nurses (CEP #13737). As an approved provider of American Psychological Association CEs, IVAT programs are accepted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Nurses will receive 18 hours of continuing education credit upon completing this program.

Addictions Counselors: IVAT is approved by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) to sponsor continuing education for certified alcohol and drug abuse counselors (Provider #IS-03-499-0223). Addictions Counselors licensed in California will receive 18 hours of continuing education credit upon completing this program.

Unanswered Questions?

If you have any questions about this hybrid training in general, contact Shirley Jean Schmidt at sjs@dnmsinstitute.com. If you have questions about the 9-week class, email Lynn James, LCPC at revlynn.counseling@gmail.com.

Having a Problem?

Problems Related to the Class: Students with problems connected to the class, like technical issues joining the class, or scheduling issues, should email Lynn James at revlynn.counseling@gmail.com.

Problems Related to the Webinar or DNMS Website: Students having problems accessing the webinar, PDF book, webinar handout, DNMS worksheets, or having any other problem related to the DNMS website, should call or email the DNMS Institute at 503-515-3399 or dnms@dnmsinstitute.com.

Accommodations for the Differently Abled

Need a special accommodation to participate in the class? Email Lynn James at revlynn.counseling@gmail.com.

There is no known commercial support nor conflict of interest for this program.