The impact of complex PTSD and attachment issues on personal health: An EMDR therapy approachSummary sheet:  The impact of complex PTSD and attachment issues on personal health: An EMDR therapy approach (Luber)

This chapter provides information that will help eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapists enhance their ability to provide effective EMDR treatment for clients diagnosed with complex trauma who are also dealing with current health problems. It highlights the use of the of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Questionnaire, which provides much needed information on childhood abuse, neglect, attachment disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and dissociation. This questionnaire, when combined with a broad developmental and health history, will be very helpful in case conceptualization and development of targets for work in Phases 4 to 7. Additionally, the author describes the links between the ACE issues and later health risks and problems that make these clients difficult to treat. Add to these issues with trust and relationship problems, and it is easy to recognize why these clients have had historical problems with accessing good healthcare. They deserve the best that we can give them. Working with complex trauma clients who are also dealing with illness can be stressful, frustrating, and exhausting. It is vital to seek consultation, peer support, and other aids (i.e., attending conferences, reading) to help us thrive in our work.

Book Section

English

Carol Forgash

Forgash, C. (2019).  The impact of complex PTSD and attachment issues on personal health: An EMDR therapy approach. In M. Luber (Ed.), Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy Scripted Protocols and Summary Sheets: Treating eating Disorders, Chronic Pain, and Maladaptive Self-Care Behaviors (pp. 431-478). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Co