EMDR and the phobias of structural dissociation in treating complex traumatization

Managing dissociative interference when treating individuals with early repetitive traumatization requires recognition, then direct intervention. The “phobias of structural dissociation” are especially helpful in recognizing the less readily apparent dissociative interferences. These refer to the individual’s fear and avoidance of their own internal experiencing, (e.g., thoughts, parts, memories) rather than the traditional fear of external objects or processes. They can be responsible for failures to establish the therapy or Safe Place, refusal of EMDR, looping, “stuck” NCs, etc. This presentation describes the phobias (with clinical illustrations), recognition markers, and a stepped hierarchy of EMDR interventions to manage dissociative interferences.

Conference

English

Denise J. Gelinas

Gelinas, D. J. (2011, August). EMDR and the phobias of structural dissociation in treating complex traumatization. Presentation at 16th EMDR International Association Conference, Orange County, CA