Refresh and Reset Your EMDR Practice

General Overview

This EMDR refresher and advanced skills training course will focus on reviewing the eight phases of EMDR with an emphasis on case conceptualization. Before delving into these phases, the course will review the AIP model to ground participants in a strong foundation of AIP. Polyvagal theory will also be integrated as a tool for case conceptualization; PVT through the lens of AIP will help participants understand how stress and trauma manifest.

Course Summary by Phase

In Phase 1, participants will revisit methods for history taking, including multi-layered screening for dissociation. Phase 1 will emphasize the intent to conceptualize cases in history taking and how to create a treatment plan based on that conceptualization, whether it be comprehensive, symptom-focused, fractionated, or using reverse protocol.

Phase 2 will cover advanced preparation strategies beneficial for complex trauma, such as CIPOS, somatic resourcing, and advanced RDI. Participants will be encouraged to use their creativity and expertise to help clients build their affect tolerance and dual awareness. Particular attention will be paid to the ways in which Phases 1 and 2 braid together and inform one another; case conceptualization from Phase 1 guides which preparation strategies are used in Phase 2, and information on client history and neural networks can be gathered by their response to Phase 2 interventions.

Phase 3 will revisit the purpose of the assessment phase and each component's role in activating memory networks.

In Phase 4, strategies to keep clients within their window of tolerance will be taught, including the use of attunement statements, constricted processing (EMD/EMDr), and modifications to BLS/DAS. Participants will learn advanced skills for applying interweaves during reprocessing with clients who have C-PTSD or lack adaptive neural networks, along with when to return to the original target.

Phases 5 and 6 will include a review of incorporating BLS/DAS appropriately.

For Phase 7, various closure strategies, such as container, tucking in, and re-orienting, will be discussed.

Finally, Phase 8 will cover re-assessment of complete targets and re-engaging incomplete targets.

Learning Objectives:

• Define AIP and explain how it informs case conceptualization.
• Describe four different types of EMDR treatment plans: comprehensive, fractionated, symptom focused, and reverse protocol.
• List three ways to screen for dissociation.
• Identify three different preparation strategies to build adaptive neural networks informed by case conceptualization.
• Explain how to use interweaves proactively and reactively, and list five different
  interweaves.
• Describe when to return to target in phase four: desensitization and reprocessing.
• List four strategies for keeping clients within their window of tolerance when in phase four: desensitization and reprocessing.

Live Schedule

9:00-9:15 - Welcome, Introductions & Orientation to Training
9:15-9:25 - History & Definitions of EMDR, BLS/DAS
9:25-9:50 - AIP: definitions, and application to case conceptualization
9:50-10:00 - Polyvagal Theory: basics of PVT and impact of prolonged activation of survival states
10:00-10:05 - BREAK
10:05-10:25 - Polyvagal Theory: basics of PVT and impact of prolonged activation of survival states
10:25-11:00 - Complex PTSD & Dissociation - definition of C-PTSD and basics of structural dissociation
11:00-11:10 - BREAK
11:10-12:30 - Phase 1: goals of phase 1, using AIP for case conceptualization, screening for dissociation, creating a map of neural networks, explanation of comprehensive treatment plan, fractionated treatment plan, symptom focused treatment plan, and reverse protocol

12:30-1:30 - LUNCH
1:30-2:30 - Phase 2: how phase 1 informs phase 2, determining readiness for reprocessing, advanced phase 2 strategies
2:30-2:35 - BREAK
2:35-2:50 - Phase 3: components of assessment and purpose of each component
2:50-3:30 - Phase 4: therapist role, what to expect, use of interweaves
3:30-3:40 - BREAK
3:40-4:10 - Phase 4: when to return to target and take SUDS, EMD/EMDr
4:10-4:20: Phase 5: review installation
4:20-4:30: Phase 6: review body scan
4:30-4:35: Phase 7: review closure techniques
4:35-4:45: Phase 8: re-evaluating completed targets & re-engaging incomplete targets
4:45-5:00- Closure & Questions