EMDR and complex trauma

EMDR is widely recognized as a therapy of choice in psychotraumatology. However treating clients who suffer from complex traumatization, and especially dissociative disorder, using EMDR straightaway in its standard form is very difficult. “By far, the greatest number of reported difficulties and stories of clinical problems and potential harm through the improper use of EMDR had involved clients with dissociative disorders.” Shapiro (2001, p. 308). Does this mean that people who have complex trauma and dissociative disorder could not benefit from EMDR? Which adaptations of the standard protocols in the different phases of the EMDR process are crucial in order to use EMDR to enhance the clients’ capacities and diminish their suffering? Which indicators should be considered? How can clinicians provide a safe and efficient help, without getting lost in this difficult treatment patterns, by knowing what to do and why? This workshop is designed for practitioners familiar with EMDR. It will provide a general overview of essential modifications of the standard EMDR protocol for complex traumatized clients. The theoretical part will focus on an understanding of the underlying EMDR working mechanism as far as discussed today, on knowledge of dissociation as a result of complex traumatization, in the context of the AIP model (adaptive information processing), the attachment theory, the theory of structural dissociation and recent research findings. The emphasis will be on practical applications of these insights into a comprehensive treatment of this group of clients. Based on the experience of the presenters, implementing use of bilateral stimulation in all phases of therapy will be shown. Important considerations according possible iatrogenic harm will be discussed. Case examples from practice will be provided, including videos.

Conference

English

Helga Matthess
Hans Vojtova
Helene Dellucci

Matthess, H., Vojtova, H., & Dellucci, H. (2012, March). EMDR and complex trauma. Presentation at the 3rd Bi-Annual International European Society for Trauma and Dissociation, Berlin, Germany