When calm/safe place doesn’t work

In the Client Preparation Phase (Phase 2), the client learns self-soothing skills before progressing to trauma processing. It is essential that the client be able to voluntarily change from a state of high distress to a state of lower distress. Commonly, this is accomplished through the development of a Calm Place (used to be called Safe Place). Some clients are unable to do this exercise. This is often a clue about the presence of a Dissociative Disorder. Generally, they will require a longer Preparation Phase. This workshop will teach how to identify these clients, what it means and two methods to find resources for self-soothing and self-regulation. These resource states provide a base of operations for trauma processing. Learning objectives: • To identify clients, including those with dissociative disorders, who need more preparation before trauma processing. • To learn two methods to increase readiness for trauma processing • To learn two methods for increased client self-regulation

Conference

English

Marshall Wilensky
Katie O'Shea

Wilensky, M., & O'Shea, K. (2013, May). When calm/safe place doesn't work. Presentation at the EMDR Canada Annual Conference, Banff, AB