An Introduction to CDS and Overview of What We Offer

CDS UK (Clinic for Dissociative Studies) is a specialist service offering assessments and treatment for people with dissociative disorders. We are a registered charity and an independent provider to the NHS.

We provide diagnosis, outpatient treatment, clinical supervision, consultancy and training all over the UK. We also participate in research and education, contributing to what we hope is a greater understanding of dissociative disorders.

Dissociative disorders typically arise in response to extreme and repetitive trauma and/or abuse in early childhood.

Dissociation can be a survival mechanism and adaptive response to overwhelming and traumatic experiences, enabling an individual to endure life events that no one person could be expected to manage without a severe impact on their wellbeing.

Find out more about what we offer patients, including assessments, getting referred and treatment options.

INFO FOR REFERRERS

Information about referring somebody to CDS UK, including how the process works, what is needed and how long it will usually take.

DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS

More information about various types of dissociative disorders, how they can arise and some of the symptoms that may be present.

Our Services

We offer a range of services including detailed clinical assessments, tailored treatment packages, training, consultancy and clinical supervision.

READ MORE

About Us

Find out about our organisation’s history and our current staff, as well as information about safeguarding, charitable work, and publications by members of our team.

READ MORE

Resources

This page provides links to a range of external websites and useful related resources which may be able to offer additional support, information and advice.

READ MORE

    Getting in Touch

We are able to offer general information and advice to clinicians, commissioners and those who may have a dissociative disorder as well as partners, carers and families.  However the Clinic is not currently able to offer a helpline service.

CONTACT US

Some patient testimonials…

I feel without my weekly sessions there is no way I could cope with life and also cope with the traumatic memories that are resurfacing and a lot of suicide ideation that I otherwise would have likely acted on.”

“I feel that there is hope that I may be able to get through this. My therapist is always there when things get very difficult. I Don’t need to explain, so I feel understood and safe.”

“My experience of your service has been a good one. All your team has shown me that I am being listened to. That you are safe, professional without being clinical. Thank you for all you do.” 

Latest News From CDS UK

Joint CDS UK/Bowlby Centre Conference, 25 Feb 2023

CDS UK will be collaborating with the Bowlby Centre on the 26th John Bowlby Memorial Conference, entitled "Exploring DID - ...
/ News

Frank W Putnam Prize awarded for Trauma & Memory

We are delighted to report that the book Trauma and Memory: the Science and the Silenced, co-edited by the Chair ...
/ News

British Psychoanalytic Council Award for Innovative Excellence

Congratulations to our esteemed founder Dr Valerie Sinason, who in November 2021 received the British Psychoanalytic Council Award for Innovative Excellence ...
/ News

Publication: Trauma and Memory: The Science and the Silenced

Chair of CDS UK's Board of Trustees Dr Ashley Conway and founder and patron Dr Valerie Sinason have edited this ...
/ News