Understanding and treating trauma/dissociation in children: The importance of EMDR

This workshop will explain how early chaos and/or neglect affects a child’s brain, autonomic nervous system, and body system and how this can lead to the development of complex trauma. To protect the self from the overwhelming affect or complete shut-down that occurs with complex trauma, a child develops dissociation. Dr. Wieland will explain dissociation from both a neurological and a conceptual perspective. The three-stage trauma treatment model will be described with particular attention to the role of EMDR within each stage of this treatment. Because of the dynamics of dissociation – the separation off of emotions, cognitions/memories, and body sensations – an adapted form of the EMDR protocol is required in the work with these children and adults. Several clinical cases will be described with details on how EMDR is incorporated.

Conference

English

Sandra Wieland

Wieland, S. (2013, May). Understanding and treating trauma/dissociation in children: The importance of EMDR. Presentation at the EMDR Canada Annual Conference, Banff, AB