EMDR for children with trauma and dissociation: Case conceptualization from stabilization to integration

This workshop initially will review the 8 phase EMDR protocol for implementation with severely traumatized and dissociative children and provide advanced skills utilizing the EMDR protocol with this population. The 8 phase EMDR protocol will be described. Therapeutic challenges for therapists in implementing this protocol with young children with complex trauma will be explored with recommendations for clinicians on how to provide efficacious treatment to children. Each phase of the protocol will be discussed identifying specific goals and specialized interventions presented with linguistic sensitivity to maintain adherence to the EMDR protocol with young children. Client History and Treatment Planning Phase, and the Preparation Phase of the EMDR Protocol will be detailed. The assessment of dissociation in young children will include recommendations for specific assessment tools. Stabilization skills for helping children address the phobic response to reprocessing traumatic events with mastery and resourcing while learning self-soothing and calming techniques will be demonstrated. Innovative and creative interventions integrating play and art therapy will be presented with child friendly language using the protocol sequence for effective treatment with children. In addition, adjustments to the EMDR protocol through the trauma processing phases, including integration, will be described and demonstrated with case presentations and videos. Creatively maneuvering these phases with children who display dissociative symptoms will be explored with recommendations for the successful implementation of the protocol throughout the healing process

Conference

English

Frances S. Waters
Robbie Adler-Tapia

Waters, F. S., & Adler-Tapia, R. (2009, November). EMDR for children with trauma and dissociation: Case conceptualization from stabilization to integration. Presentation at the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation 26th Annual International Conference, Washington, DC. doi:10.1037/e608902012-077