Practice innovations in auditory stimulation, body processing, dynamic interweave, and EMDR based diagnosis

EMDR is a therapeutic approach which can be incorporated into a variety of treatment models. Accordingly, the opportunity arises from such synthetic clinical work to observe and develop innovative usage of the accelerated information processing, desensitization and reprocessing effects. This presentation will outline the evolution of four such novel applications: auditory stimulation, body processing, the dynamic interweave and EMDR based diagnosis. With the introduction of the audioscan machine one year ago, practical and innovative usage of bilateral sound stimulation became available. As with the light bar technology, arm and shoulder fatigue was eliminated as a problem for the therapist. However, the advantages of the sound machine can also be contrasted with eye movements in terms of processing with closed eyes, passive inducement, increased saccadic pace and higher repetitions. Specifically examined will be the effects of uninterrupted use of the audioscan throughout an entire session (even during non-processing conversing), as well as out of the office use by clients for processing augmentation and alleviation of agitation and sleep difficulties. This presentation will also elaborate the innovative concepts and practices of processing physical sensations, referred to here as 'body processing’, as well as propose innovative technical applications of bilateral tactile stimulation. The benefits of deliberately targeting body sensations for processing in selected situations even when images, cognitions and affective material are accessible, will be explored. Focused targeting of somatic sensations will be examined as a technique to facilitate processing with reduced agitation for clients who tend to respond with problematic levels of flooding, regression or dissociation. The particular efficacy of body processing will also be investigated in relation to the treatment of somatically charged conditions such as hypochondriasis, panic disorders, character pathology (armor) and chronic pain (i.e. TMJ, muscle spasms, headaches, IBS and chronic fatigue). The rationale for and application of the symbolic imaging of physical perceptions, repeated returns to body target and the phenomena of fluxing, traveling and the metamorphosis of body sensations will be discussed. Particular attention will be devoted to the technique of alternating hand pressure on lines of meridian and accupressure points. The concept of dynamic interweave will be illuminated as the innovative integration of EMDR into the psychodynamic, ego psychology and self psychology constructs. Attention will be given to the associative process, screen memories, parapraxes, dream work, resistance, transference, countertransference and character pathology. The manner in which EMDR facilitates the integration of cognitive and affective mental processes leading to a deepened capacity for insight and emotional development will be highlighted. This is especially so in conditions of trauma where intellectual awareness is usually insufficient to ameliorate ubiquitous panic or alter deeply held irrational beliefs and distorted self perceptions. The final, newly developed, use of EMDR discussed will be as a powerful and incisive diagnostic tool. For example, when a simple phobia does not remit quickly, it oftentimes suggests the existence of an underlying, not as yet emerged panic disorder or process phobia. Similar diagnostic information may be speculated when a single event adult onset trauma processes very slowly, pointing to a more significant trauma history. When somatic sensations continually move throughout the body, changing form without processing out, this has been observed to accompany a panic disorder, overt or underlying. Highly valuable diagnostic information emerges with EMDR processing when the etiology of body pain is unclear or unknown. If targeted body processing yields movement, abatement or elimination of the somatic distress then emotional involvement is strongly suggested. However, if no change occurs, an organic derivation of the pain may be confirmed. Case material, in vivo demonstrations and handout material will be used to illustrate the concepts presented.

Conference

English

David Grand

Grand, D. (1997, July). Practice innovations in auditory stimulation, body processing, dynamic interweave, and EMDR based diagnosis. Presentation at the 2nd EMDR International Association Conference, San Francisco, CA