When there are no words yet: Using EMDR to heal preverbal trauma

When trauma occurs before the acquisition of language in early childhood, there is no language to give context to the distress and post traumatic distress that can remain for a lifetime. Therefore traditional EMDR, which relies on language, cannot give us the safe access needed to reprocess these memories. By teaching clients a technique I call the 5 Senses Theater, we can create metaphoric context for this distress and therefore apply EMDR treatment in a safe, controllable, and manageable way for clients to reprocess preverbal trauma. We will discuss some theory of Preverbal Trauma, how it manifests, and its neurological impact on development, personality, and attachment. Participants will learn the 5 Senses Theater script, practice it in dyads, and discuss its use with the EMDR standard Protocol. Case examples from my own EMDR practice will be presented, with Q and A discussion following.

Conference

English

Jason Rose-Langston

Rose-Langston, J. (2018, April). When there are no words yet: Using EMDR to heal preverbal trauma. Presentation at the 14th Western Mass EMDRIA Regional Network Spring Conference, Amherst MA