EMDR for Dissociation

I am here. Where are you? Understanding the dynamics of dissociation when working with all 8 phases of EMDR. IN PERSON - NOT RECORDED
About this Event

Working with individuals who present with complex trauma and dissociation can be a challenge even if one feels skilled and is experienced. The dynamics of dissociation impact on the client, the therapist and the therapeutic work. Join us to consolidate and discuss your knowledge on how to work with this complex presentation. There will be opportunity to share in groups or pairs to think about EDI issues when working with this presentation.

There will be an overview of the theory of dissociation and structural dissociation, definition of the concepts of ego states, parts and dissociative part, and how these can present during the 8 phases of the protocol and impact every aspect of treatment.

Trauma and dissociation will be addressed in terms of neurobiological mechanisms, especially with clients with attachment trauma, and how and why it is key to take a history safely in Phase 1.

Using the AIP model as a lens, let us explore how and why dissociation can impact a developing therapeutic alliance, case conceptualisation, setting up Phase 2 preparation, resourcing and stabilisation and what can happen in each of the 8 Phases if this is not attended to when working with complex presentations.

For Phase 2, there will be an overview of tools and ways of understanding, identifying and working with dissociation and parts within the therapeutic relationship. Tools such as SCID-D, TADS-I, MID, will be briefly mentioned and the importance of when and how to use these tools with complex trauma clients. Attendees will gain an understanding of how and when the Pre-Verbal protocol (Paulsen), and fractionated approaches with titration (Mosquera), CIPOS (Knipe), can be used in Phase 2.

As clinicians we know that a dissociative presentation can change suddenly. Ways of managing this are crucial for all 8 Phases of the protocol but especially if processing has begun. Attendees will be given the opportunity to consolidate ways of working with the standard protocol in line with the presentation and needs of dissociated clients. Knowing when to, and when not to, process with dissociative clients, as well as ensuring ongoing safety and stabilisation, and working within a client’s window of tolerance in all phases of the protocol is key.

For Phases 3 to 8 case material will support the work presented. This will include the presenter’s use of sand tray EMDR work (as devised and taught by Ana Gomez) to demonstrate how dysfunctionally stored material from early traumatic experiences surfaced after targets had been cleared and was reprocessed further. Case material will also be presented so that participants will learn other ways of externalising the system and making the dynamics of the system concrete and more accessible for the client.