Using EMDR with substance addictions and with behavior problems that have an addictive pattern

It is clear from over 17 published studies that the EMDR method is highly effective in assisting clients in resolving PTSD (Maxfield and Hyer, 2002). However, most clients who enter therapy do not have a simple problem of a single disturbing memory, but a complex history. Typically, clients come to therapy with a mixed presentation, of not only emotional disturbance, but also mental structures and actions which function to soothe, contain, avoid or dissociate from emotional disturbance. Thus, the initial presentation of most clients is complex and often ambivalent. In this workshop, examples will illustrate Adaptive Information Processing methods of targeting and resolving psychological defenses, such as avoidance, ambivalence, and idealization. Also, the BHS/CIPOS (Back-of-the-Head Scale/Constant Installation of Present Orientation and Safety) method will be described. This method is a set of procedures that can be used during the EMDR Desensitization Phase to therapeutically reverse dissociative processes while preserving emotional safety. Video segments from therapy sessions will be shown to illustrate each of these methods.

Conference

English

Jim Knipe

Knipe, J. (2006, June). Using EMDR with substance addictions and with behavior problems that have an addictive pattern. Presentation at the 7th Annual EMDR Europe Association Conference, Istanbul, Turkey