Schedule of Conference Sessions

See the full line-up sessions here. We have a full calendar of offerings, including three Plenaries and multiple breakout sessions to choose from over the course of 3 days!

FRI

Friday, August 25

8:30 AM – 10:30 AM

1.5 CEs

GENERAL SESSION 101: Changing Lives With EMDR Therapy:  Past, Present and Future Directions

Presented by: Deany Laliotis, LICSW

EMDR has evolved from a simple desensitization technique to a broad-based psychotherapy approach that has revolutionized how we understand change as well as our approach to treatment.  From early intervention protocols that address recent traumatic events for individuals and groups to ongoing psychotherapy, EMDR is by no means a cookie cutter.  It is a robust methodology that has stood the test of time and research in the last three decades.  While we apply core concepts and standardized procedures, we also offer healing and transformation as we address the cumulative impact of trauma on the human spirit.  The presenter will discuss the art of striking that balance between protocol and person, so we don’t have to make a choice.  Instead, it’s about bringing to life the trifecta of EMDR as an evidence-based approach by incorporating the research, understanding who our clients are as people, and who we are as their therapists in order to truly change lives.

11 AM – 12:30 PM

1.5 CEs

GENERAL SESSION 102: Transforming Traumatic Memory with EMDR: Insights into how and why EMDR may work

Presented by: Ruth Lanius, M.D., Ph.D., FRCPC

Traumatic memories are frequently relived, not remembered. Indeed, emerging neuroscientific evidence demonstrates that traumatic memories are relived in the form of sensations and motoric actions. How can EMDR aid in transforming traumatic memories from being relived to being remembered as a coherent narrative that is anchored in the present? This lecture will describe how traumatic memory can be transformed with EMDR. In addition, how and why EMDR may work will be discussed. Case examples will be given throughout the lecture.

2 PM – 3:30 PM

1.5 CEs

SESSION 121: Caught Between Cultures: EMDR with Bicultural Clients with Complex Trauma

Presented by: Nidhi Tewari, LCSW

According to a 2020 study in the American Journal of Psychiatry, the longer immigrants stay in the US, the higher their risk of psychiatric disorders.  The pressure to acculturate to the majority culture while still maintaining connection to their culture of origin creates an internal tug of war.  The desire to belong is universal, yet belonging can be complicated when you are caught between two cultures. Many first-generation Westerners are seeking out trauma focused therapies like EMDR, but EMDR therapists must be equipped with cultural competency to help these bicultural populations to heal.  This presentation will address how to improve case conceptualization by considering the unique challenges first-generation Westerners face, how to understand the impact of intergenerational trauma on these populations from an AIP perspective, and how to adapt cognitive interweaves, resourcing, and other elements of the 8 phases to meet the needs of bicultural clients.

Topic Area: Diversity /Equity/Inclusion
Presentation Level: Introductory | Intermediate

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SESSION 122: Treating Religious and Spiritual Trauma with EMDR

Presented by: Cassidy DuHadway, LCSW

Religious and Spiritual Trauma is often an overlooked experience that has huge impacts on generations of Americans. As more and more humans decided to leave organized religions or are joining cults, we are understanding the impacts of those experiences as traumatic and adverse. This presentation will explore religious adverse experiences and discuss how they lead to foundational belief systems that present as complex trauma. Concepts of religious messaging, shame, enmeshment, attachment and adverse religious experiences will be explored. Case Examples where EMDR with religious and spiritual trauma will be presented where lives where drastically shifted in beliefs of safety, love, belonging and enoughness. Insight into understanding language and experiences will assist in history taking, preparation and processing. This allows for integration and healing towards healthy spirituality.

Topic Area: Dissociation/Complex Trauma
Presentation Level: Intermediate | Advanced

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SESSION 123: Primary Prevention: Utilizing EMDR During Pregnancy

Presented by: Mara Tesler Stein, Psy.D., PMH-C

The perinatal period is one of both potential vulnerability and developmental promise for pregnant people, their babies, and families. Whether or not the index trauma is related to pregnancy, research documents the detrimental effects of untreated PTSD on pregnant people, pregnancy itself, developing fetuses, and newborn babies. Trauma-focused therapies such as Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) have demonstrated efficacy in the perinatal period. Meta-analysis found no evidence for adverse outcomes when using trauma-focused therapies during pregnancy. Notably finding, “no support for a course of action in which the continued presence of PTSD is preferable to the low chance of short-term physiological arousal during treatment for PTSD.” (Baas, et al. 2020). Nevertheless, guidance around use of EMDR during pregnancy is inconsistent. This presentation will outline the prevalence of PTSD in the perinatal period, discuss EMDR’s efficacy with this population, and walk through clinical decision making around utilizing EMDR therapy during pregnancy.

Topic Area: Clinical Dilemmas
Presentation Level: Introductory | Intermediate | Advanced

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SESSION 124: Moral Trauma & Injury Through the Lens of AIP

Presented by: Derek Farrell, Ph.D.

The enduring nature of PTSD within military and veteran communities suggests a link between mental illness and moral trauma/injury. Moral trauma/ injury is a transgression which violates our core assumptions of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, values, beliefs, and conceptual framework of ‘self’. At its core, moral trauma/ injury is borne out of either omission or commission. This presentation will explore the utilization of EMDR therapy as a treatment intervention focusing on the importance of subjectivity within the human experience and how this, in turn, reflects our values, belief systems, intentions, emotions, a sense of purpose and identity. The AIP model will be explored from a critical perspective of moral injury/ trauma and how it relates to each of the eight phases of EMDR therapy.

Topic Area: Case Conceptualization
Presentation Level: Intermediate
INTEGRATIVE PRESENTATION

4 PM – 5:30 PM

1.5 CEs

SESSION 131: EMDR Stabilization, Dissociation Treatment, and the Animal-Human Bond

Presented by: Sarah Jenkins, LPC

EMDR therapy easily lends itself to the integration of animal-assisted interactions to become Animal-Assisted EMDR (AA-EMDR). EquiLateral™ was introduced by the presenter in 2011 as the first EMDR protocol to incorporate animal-assisted interactions, specifically equine-assisted, whilst maintaining EMDR treatment fidelity. Drawing from an overall Animal-Assisted (AA-EMDR) approach, animal-assisted interactions are woven into the eight phases of EMDR therapy, conceptualized through the AIP model, all while in consideration of animal/client welfare. In addition, with the COVID pandemic and increased prevalence of therapy online, often comes clients’ companion animal(s) “joining session.” Are we missing these opportunities? This workshop addresses the clinical benefits and ethics of integrating animal-assisted interactions within EMDR therapy. Attendees also learn experiential ways to increase adaptive information, raise integrative capacity, and address non-personification / non-presentification, especially in the treatment of structural dissociation. A highly interactive and engaging workshop, participants learn via case studies, videos, interactive activities, and discussions.

Topic Area: Dissociation/Complex Trauma
Presentation Level: Introductory | Intermediate | Advanced
INTEGRATIVE PRESENTATION

***

SESSION 132: Engaging Teen's Protective Parts to Reprocess Traumatic Memories

Presented by: Annie Monaco, LCSW-R & Erin Hassall, LMFT

A teens' use of dissociative strategies has a profound influence on attachment, affect regulation, behavior control, and cognition. This workshop will describe how protective parts appear hostile and aggressive at home, school and community and how they attempt to torpedo therapeutic treatment through violent or destructive actions to themselves, caregivers, and the therapist.  Specialized interventions are required for successful treatment that addresses such disturbing and disruptive symptoms that are encapsulated in dissociation.  Participants will learn how to utilize curiosity to engage protective parts with creative interventions and help the internal system collaborate as a team so that the client can desensitize early childhood traumatic memories. The workshop will include two transcripts of case examples: one which includes a school-based client and the other includes the involvement of caregivers. Both will illustrate parts dialogue and cooperation within the internal system and how this leads to reprocessing traumatic memories.

Topic Area: Children/Adolescents
Presentation Level: Intermediate
INTEGRATIVE PRESENTATION

***

SESSION 133: Developments in the Flash Technique: An Advance in EMDR Processing

Presented by: Philip Manfield, LMFT & Lewis Engel, Ph.D.

In the four years since the Flash Technique was introduced at the 2019 EMDRIA Conference it has been refined and improved and been validated by many research studies. In this presentation we will describe the most up-to-date instructions for the technique and briefly summarize the evidence for its effectiveness.  We will show a clinical video that illustrates the most current application of the technique and lead an exercise that gives each participant a brief personal experience of the Flash Technique. Although a variety of applications of the Flash Technique have emerged over the past four years, we will confine our discussion to its use in the preparation phase of EMDR in a manner consistent with the Adaptive Information Processing model. Time permitting, we will include a short live demonstration and answer questions about the technique.

Topic Area: Techniques/Strategies
Presentation Level: Introductory | Intermediate | Advanced

***

SESSION 134: Neurodiversity-Affirming EMDR Practice with Autism and ADHD

Presented by: Susan Darker-Smith, M.Sc., LLM

Neurodiversity relates to clients whose 'brains are wired differently' (Singer, 2017) such as individuals with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia. Neurodiverse individuals offer huge benefits and advantages to our society, through their unique perspective on the world.  However, they may also be more vulnerable to adverse life experiences and trauma (lobregt-van Buuren et al, 2020) and their traumas are often ascribed to their diversity, leaving them without therapeutic intervention, suffering in silence. This presentation highlights the need for neurodiverse-affirming communication with these clients alongside recognizing   that modifications to the standard protocol (Shapiro, 2018) which may be necessary to help make EMDR neuro-diverse inclusive and accessible.

Topic Area: Neurodiversity
Presentation Level: Intermediate | Advanced

SAT

Saturday, August 26

9 AM – 12:30 PM

3 CEs

SESSION 221: Enhancing EMDR Therapy Through a Mentalizing and Secure-Based Approach

Presented by: Debra Wesselmann, MS, LIMHP & Ann Potter, Ph.D.

Mentalization involves a state of mind in which an individual can observe and reflect upon the internal state of self and others with flexibility and lack of judgement. Mentalization naturally enhances clients’ capacity to utilize therapy, including EMDR. Conversely, low capacity for mentalization is associated with rigidity, judgments, defenses, and an inability to reflect upon the inner state of self and others, traits that naturally impede EMDR reprocessing. Research indicates that everyone is vulnerable to a non-mentalizing state when anxious or stressed, and yet, improving clients’ mentalizing capacity requires therapists to retain a mentalizing state for themselves. Participants will develop mentalizing responses to clients’ non-mentalizing words and behaviors during a practicum and will rehearse a self-help modification of an EMDR resource development protocol to assist them with retaining their own mentalizing state during therapy sessions in which they experience heightened anxiety.

Topic Area: Attachment Issues/ Personality Disorder
Presentation Level: Intermediate

***

SESSION 222: Inside-Out & Bottom-Up - Integrating Neuroscience, EMDR, & Play Therapy

Presented by: Dora Henderson, MA, LMHC-QS, RPT-S, CST

Through an integrative theoretical framework, participants will be invited explore the Neuroception of Safety from a deeply creative level through an innovative and playful integration of EMDR and the Polyvagal theory.  The “Ceptions” (Neuroception, Proprioception, Equilibrioception, Interoception, Temperoception, Exteroception, Nociception) will be introduced through the Power of Play Therapy.

Participants will explore how to increase client’s mind-body awareness and monitor/reduce the distress response (SUDS) through the integrative use of EMDR, play, and the expressive arts.

By integrating foundational EMDR knowledge with cutting-edge neuroscience, participants will create representations of "the ceptions" and learn how they fit within the AIP model and the 3-pronged protocol, and how to blend them throughout all 8-phases of EMDR.  This integration is particularly helpful with children during the history taking, preparation, assessment, and body scan phases to teach clients how to identify their arousal states, and how to become detectives of their own nervous systems.

Topic Area: Neurodiversity
Presentation Level: Introductory | Intermediate | Advanced
INTEGRATIVE PRESENTATION

***

SESSION 223: Using the DNMS to Prepare Attachment-Wounded Clients for EMDR

Presented by: Shirley Jean Schmidt, MA, LPC

This workshop introduces ego state therapy concepts and interventions from the Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy (DNMS) for stabilizing dysregulated, dissociative, attachment-wounded clients in EMDR Phase 2. It shows how we can mobilize loving, attuned, vetted, internal Resources. It describes how we can talk directly to triggered wounded child parts to get them in a dialogue with Resources who help them feel safe as they meet emotional needs. After wounded parts tell their story, we orient them to present time and reassure them that their perception of “reliving” an old trauma is just a harmless recording playing back. These interventions can stabilize wounded child parts—bringing them out of trance and into the safety of the present. As more and more wounded parts get stabilized, attachment-wounded clients develop the emotion management skills needed for EMDR success. The workshop also touches on issues of diversity, and DNMS treatment limitations and risks.

Topic Area: Attachment Issues/ Personality Disorder
Presentation Level: Introductory | Intermediate | Advanced
INTEGRATIVE PRESENTATION

***

CANCELLED 

SESSION 224: EMDR Access for All:  Training for Worldwide Growth

Presented by: Rocio Hernandez, Ph.D., LMFT, LPCC; Rachel Erwin, MS, LMFT; Elizabeth Sanchez, MS, LMFT; Claudia Arias, MA, LMFT

Post-traumatic growth opportunities exist everywhere we turn across the world, but access to training opportunities for EMDR and continuing education are often not accessible to providers.   Sometimes, techniques used in standard trainings are perceived as not inclusive of all cultures or demographics or worse may be unknowingly offensive.  Our panel will highlight Francine Shapiro's desire for EMDR to be accessible to all groups and individuals around the world.  Practical examples will be used to incorporate diversity and inclusion into existing and future training protocols.  Institutional and organizational examples will also be shared to highlight ways to replicate training access in service areas where EMDR Therapy may be underutilized due to lack of training or other systems barriers.

Topic Area: Training/Consultation in EMDR
Presentation Level: Intermediate

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SESSION 225: EMDR Therapy in a New Paradigm: A Transpersonal Approach

Presented by: Irene Siegel, Ph.D., LCSW

The emergence of new paradigms of human consciousness is often preceded by trauma.  Emerging from a pandemic and issues of social justice, a new paradigm unfolds as predicted by ancient traditions and validated by science. A transpersonal framework, as integrated into EMDR therapy, explores the therapist as a tool of consciousness. Dual focus attention from egoic to expanded awareness through mindfulness and resonance enhances AIP model in transforming PTSD. Brain integration and processing links to silent intuitive processes within an interconnected field of energy and informational flow. Inner focusing tracks energy enhancing positive resourcing, emotional stabilization, reprocessing, going beyond adaptive functioning, as client and therapist process within a shared field of consciousness through state changes. Spiritual wisdom may emerge as clients connect to cosmic whole, reinforcing future adaptive outcomes from a larger context. Identify intuitive feedback mechanisms and applications within nonlinear, moment to moment therapy through case presentation and experiential exercise.

Topic Area: Spirituality
Presentation Level: Introductory | Intermediate | Advanced
INTEGRATIVE PRESENTATION

***

SESSION 226: Polyvagal Informed Interventions for Resourcing and Reprocessing

Presented by: Rebecca Kase. LCSW, RYT

Learn to harness the power of Polyvagal Theory within EMDR Therapy. This workshop explores how to tap into the wisdom of Polyvagal Theory with creative resourcing and stabilization interventions, along with techniques to support reprocessing. Participants will review a polyvagal informed model for Phase 2 Preparation work, known as the Preparation Hierarchy, to assess client readiness for reprocessing and plan interventions to foster client resiliency. We will explore four key neurophysiological skill sets to guide Phase 2 work and neural exercises to prepare a client for target reprocessing. Participants will review several interventions for Phase 2 Preparation and practice several of these techniques through experiential exercises. Trainees will also learn supportive techniques for reprocessing work. We will review strategies to maintain dual awareness in memory desensitization and review polyvagal-inspired interweaves to work through processing blocks.

Topic Area: Techniques/Strategies
Presentation Level: Intermediate | Advanced
INTEGRATIVE PRESENTATION

2 PM – 5:30 PM

3 CEs

SESSION 231: The I––Gaze Interweave for Attachment Repair in EMDR Therapy

Presented by: Barry Litt, MFT

The I-Gaze interweave is an intersubjective, dyadic resource to facilitate resolution of attachment trauma. This four-part training begins with the Domains of Self model: a heuristic for rapid assessment for differentiating attachment trauma from relational or shock traumas.  The second part describes the zone of optimal arousal––a model that guides the therapist to assessing stability in Phase 4 and remedy over-arousal.  The third part describes somatic interweaves for regulating autonomic arousal.  The workshop concludes with the I-Gaze Interweave for attachment repair in phase 4.  Interweave-specific transference and countertransference phenomenon will be examined for their diagnostic and prognostic value.

Topic Area: Attachment Issues/ Personality Disorder
Presentation Level: Advanced

***

SESSION 232: Play Therapy-Supported EMDR for Culturally Based Trauma in Adoption

Presented by: Ann Beckley-Forest, LCSW, RPT-S & Renata Huewitt, LPC

Out of home placement and adoption is sometimes seen as a solution to child maltreatment but becomes its own impactful and potentially adverse life event.  Child EMDR therapists are on the front lines of attempts to bring about healing for children in foster and adoptive family constellations.  In these families, additional issues related to racial and cultural differences and related attachment dynamics are of critical importance but may not be centered by the family or even the therapist.  We will bring into focus the importance of a multifaceted case formulation including robust consideration of cultural dislocation and race-based adversity, microaggressions, and their impact on attachment trauma. We will also use a play therapy-supported EMDR framework to share dynamic, embodied and play-based enhancements throughout the 8 phases of EMDR, and will include 2 extended case examples and experiential activities to embrace a fully anti-racist EMDR therapy for children impacted by adoption.

Topic Area: Children/Adolescents
Presentation Level: Intermediate
INTEGRATIVE PRESENTATION

***

SESSION 233: Practical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory in EMDR Therapy

Presented by: Jackie Flynn, Ed.S., LMHC-S, RPT

In this workshop, we explore how to increase your capacity to support traumatized clients through applications of the Polyvagal Theory in your EMDR therapy practice. Tenets of the Polyvagal Theory are presented as practical, EMDR therapy applications with a focus on fidelity to the basic protocol in each phase with adherence to the Adaptive Information Processing model. Through intentional focus on the body, relationships, and environment, we explore how to be effective in even the most complex trauma cases. Safety and connection are intentionally integrated into each of the 8 phases of EMDR Therapy from case conceptualization in Phase 1: History Taking with exploration of targets past experience, current triggers, and future potential challenges to Phase 8: Re-evaluation though intentional return previous targets as well as emergent new targets with a greater felt sense of safety through connection, and every goal of each phase in-between.

Topic Area: Techniques/Strategies
Presentation Level: Introductory

***

SESSION 234: Healing Through Liberation: EMDR Therapy as an Anti-Oppression Therapy Model

Presented by: Lisa Hayes, LISW-S; Tammy Moore, LISW-S; Suzanne Rutti, LISW-S

This presentation will explore Liberation-Based healing practices and invite participants to integrate Liberation-Based healing practices and principles into the delivery of EMDR Therapy.  This presentation will use lecture, case study review and small group activities/discussions. Participants will be encouraged to develop an intersectional analysis of their current EMDR Therapy practice. At the conclusion of this presentation participants will be prepared to use Liberation-Based healing principles throughout the standard 8 Phase Protocol and address culturally specific realities related to the posits of the AIP model; examining impacts of chronic oppression on adaptive information processing. Specific suggestions will be presented to apply anti-oppression principles when gathering client history, identifying central themes, exploring cognitions and establishing Phase 2 resources that honor intersections of identity, culture, lived experiences and symptom presentation. The ultimate goal of this presentation is to support EMDR clinicians endeavoring to create a more inclusive and culturally responsive EMDR Therapy practice.

Topic Area: Diversity /Equity/Inclusion
Presentation Level: Intermediate
INTEGRATIVE PRESENTATION

***

SESSION 235: Utilization of EMDR Therapy with Grief and Mourning

Presented by: Roger Solomon, Ph.D.

A traumatic loss can disable the ability to cope, impair functioning, compromise the ability to go through the processes necessary for adaptation, and complicate the mourning. EMDR processing allows the client to experience, express and process the pain. This enables the linking in of adaptive information allowing the client to progress through the psychological processes important for assimilation and accommodation of the loss. A framework for grief and mourning (including the importance of attachment) will be discussed and how the 8 phase EMDR therapy protocol can be integrated within an overall treatment framework.

Topic Area: Depression, Grief & Mourning
Presentation Level: Introductory | Intermediate

***

SESSION 236: Using EMDR to Confront Therapeutic Avoidance in Clients and in Ourselves

Presented by: William Zangwill, Ph.D.; Elizabeth Armstrong, LCSW-R

Client avoidance in EMDR, as in almost all therapies, is one of the most common therapist complaints. Whether it be a failure to follow through and complete agreed upon assignments, or an avoidance of issues and feelings during sessions, avoidance often makes providing effective treatment difficult, if not impossible. Yet it is important to acknowledge, that clients are not the only ones who avoid in the therapeutic relationship. Clinician avoidance is also important to address. Using the Float Forward with Float Back target assessment form (Browning, 1999) and incorporating the important work of Kahneman and Tversky on loss aversion, this workshop will present a systematic process for practitioners to understand and gently confront both client and clinician avoidance. Participants will also create their own Future Template to address either their own and/or their clients' avoidance. Participants will learn this process through lecture, demonstration and, most importantly, in session practice.

Topic Area: Clinical Dilemmas
Presentation Level: Introductory | Intermediate | Advanced

SUN

Sunday, August 27

8:30 AM – 10:30 AM

1.5 CEs

GENERAL SESSION 301: Polyvagal Theory: A Science of Safety

Presented by: Stephen Porges, Ph.D.

Humans, as social mammals, are on a quest for safety.  The need to feel safe is the prepotent survival related motivator impacting on all aspects of human experience by biasing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.  Threat reactions not only disrupt cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functions but also compromise the basic homeostatic physiological functions supporting health, growth, and restoration.   Without feeling safe, the nervous system is unable to optimize the regulation of visceral organs with the consequential damage to organs leading to observable and diagnosable organ disease and failure.  A profound need to survive triggers a complex genetically programmed portfolio of physiological reactions and behaviors to cues of threat and safety. The talk will illustrate that feeling safe has a physiological signature, which is a product of our evolutionary history in which the autonomic nervous system was repurposed to support sociality.

11 AM – 12:30 PM

1.5 CEs

SESSION 321: How to Embrace Neurodiversity - Case Conceptualize Neurodivergence with AIP

Presented by: J. Laurel Thornton, MA, LPC, ALPS, LMHC

This presentation builds off Chamberlin’s Network Balance Model of Trauma Resolution (NBMTR) to present a way to conceptualize working with neurodivergence through an AIP Model lens. If we follow NBMTR, then our goal is to help facilitate balance across networks. This case conceptualization presentation encourages clinicians to look at client’s wellness and symptoms across the domains of capacity, genetics, neurochemistry, neuro-structural function, internal processing, and external processing. When all these domains are functioning within typical levels, this creates a template for what would be considered neurotypical. Here we will define and explore how different types of neurodivergence impact these domains. We will also create space for increased trust in the AIP model and how its original tenants have what we need to embrace our neurodiversity and better serve all our clients.

Topic Area: Neurodiversity
Presentation Level: Intermediate

***

SESSION 322: EMDR in the Perinatal Period

Presented by: Julie Bindeman, Psy.D.; Jasmine Adams, LCSW; Heidi Roselle, LPCC; Kira Harkins, LCSW

EMDR is a powerful tool throughout the lifespan and can be particularly useful during a person's reproductive years. The act of becoming, maintaining, and completing a pregnancy can be fraught with challenges and trauma, oftentimes allowing past trauma to re-emerge during this time of psychological vulnerability. Yet, EMDR practitioners are taught, explicitly, to deny this type of care to those that are pregnant. This workshop will speak to the vastness of potential reproductive traumas as well as the importance and evidenced based rationale why EMDR should NOT be withheld during this critical period.

Topic Area: Family/Parenting
Presentation Level: Introductory

***

SESSION 323: Delivering EMDR Within Culturally-Sensitive Contexts

Presented by: Susan Darker-Smith, M.Sc., LLM

When using EMDR with clients from very different cultural backgrounds, unexpected surprises may arise, leaving us unsure what to do next. This can happen when we're attached to (conscious or unconscious) cultural stereotypes, prejudice, or bias. By becoming culturally aware and sensitive, we can decrease the risk of surprises and navigate them skillfully when they do arise. Effective EMDR starts with accurate case conceptualization. This workshop will highlight three types of wounding clients endure: trauma wounding, attachment wounding, and loss wounding. Within these three categories, clients can also have cultural wounding. The implications of these three categories when planning EMDR treatment, are explored. This workshop will provide many real stories of doing EMDR with culturally diverse clients--like child soldiers, deaf clients, torture victims, asylum seekers, migrants, honor-based violence survivors, and survivors of ethnic cleansing. It will describe many unusual EMDR modifications needed to meet unique trauma processing needs.

Topic Area: Diversity /Equity/Inclusion
Presentation Level: Introductory | Intermediate

***

SESSION 324: Interrupting and Healing Trans-generational Wounding with EMDR Therapy

Presented by: Karen Alter-Reid, Ph.D.

For patients with trans-generational trauma histories including oppression, war, slavery, genocide, and immigration, it is important to develop EMDR treatment plans to address trans-generational wounding and adaptations.  This workshop will teach - via lecture, case examples, and videos - a series of interventions to expand history-taking, locate generationally transmitted wounds and resources, and re-process along the lines of generational themes.  Clinicians will learn Alter-Reid's three-prong Trans-generational EMDR Therapy Protocol which demonstrates how to process targets beyond one's individual lived life.

Topic Area: War/Terrorism/Refugees/Torture
Presentation Level: Intermediate

2 PM – 3:30 PM

1.5 CEs

Canceled: SESSION 331: Healing Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Long Covid

Presented by: Robin Shapiro, LICSW

People with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) have aversive reactions to environmental triggers that keep them hidden at home, away from all aversive and potentially fatal stimuli. MCS, similar to phantom limb pain, can be successfully treated with EMDR to desensitize past, present and future triggers. This method has also successfully cleared many cases of Long Covid. This workshop explains MCS and Graft vs Host disease and takes practitioners through assessment, preparation, and all other phases of EMDR in their treatment. It includes office preparation for new clients, imaginal interweaves for present and future templates.  Through lecture, case examples, and guided imagery, participants will understand and be able to treat this distressed population.

Topic Area: Chronic Illness/Medical Issues/Somatics
Presentation Level: Introductory
INTEGRATIVE PRESENTATION

***

SESSION 332: EMDR Group - Go Beyond Recent Events & Integrate with Other Models

Presented by: Regina Morrow Robinson, Ed.S.

There are many advantages of group EMDR lending it to a broad range of applications beyond early interventions. Individual EMDR therapists may want to consider adding these applications to their practice. Several of these are applicable to both individual and group applications. This presentation will focus on a theoretical discussion of blending Group EMDR with other therapy approaches for specific diagnosis and situations. To incorporate Group EMDR formats, a stepped care approach, the 8 phases, 3 prongs and AIP theory as the platforms to conceptualizing many situations, symptom presentations, and diagnosis are utilized as appropriate. To set the stage for expanding the applications of Group EMDR, rapidly evolving varieties of Group EMDR protocols and derived techniques - along with their intended design purposes - will be briefly reviewed at the start of the presentation.

Topic Area: Models/Theory
Presentation Level: Intermediate

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SESSION 333: Treating Oppression Trauma with EMDR Therapy: But first, our own work!

Presented by: Roshni Chabra, LMFT

Treating Oppression Trauma with EMDR Therapy: But first, our own work! will introduce the underlying components of systemic oppression and provide ways to recognize, examine and address oppression trauma. This presentation will offer the opportunity for EMDR Therapists, Consultants and Faculty to recognize the intersectionality of our own experience and learn how to provide a platform for being trauma focused with clients, consultees, and trainees. Breaking down the tactics of oppression and its daily impact will assist with being able to identify our clients / trainees / consultees’ layers of identities while validating their trauma.

Topic Area: Diversity /Equity/Inclusion
Presentation Level: Introductory

***

SESSION 334: EMDR and the Human Animal Bond: Ways Our Four-Legged Friends Help Us Heal

Presented by: Alison Leslie, LCSW, SEP

Animals have the unique ability to help us access our internal worlds, explore our belief systems, and increase healing both psychologically and physiologically.  Research over the last years has shown an increase understanding of how and why integrating animals into the therapeutic experience can enhance outcomes for those who have experienced trauma throughout their lives. This presentation will describe ways the Human Animal Bond and Animal Assisted Psychotherapy can benefit clients across the 8-phase protocol including in history taking, preparation phase, desensitization, closure, and re-evaluation, whether in person or telehealth.  Including a familiar pet or therapy animal into the clinical framework can offer new areas of expansion, grounding, and adaptive information to support even our most difficult clients in their readiness for EMDR and along their healing process.

Topic Area: Techniques/Strategies
Presentation Level: Introductory | Intermediate | Advanced
INTEGRATIVE PRESENTATION