I offer individual and group consultation for licensed therapists to further develop their skills in treating acute and chronic posttraumatic stress disorders and to complete their requirements for EMDRIA certification.
Presenting cases in a supportive environment, consultees improve their treatment efficacy with PTSD, complex trauma and dissociation, anxiety, insomnia, somatic symptoms, and phobias. Consultees learn to establish a strong therapeutic relationship based in consistent attunement; improve assessment; sharpen case conceptualization; enhance the preparation phase; precisely identify targets for reprocessing; and effectively reprocess traumatic memories.
The consultation group is both a case consultation and a continuation of training. In addition to working with the case material brought to the group, I offer an area of focus for each meeting. For example, I offer training in assessing clients for EMDR, formulation of an EMDR treatment plan, introducing EMDR to a client, utilizing interweaves, as well as many other topics to help members provide effective EMDR treatment.
I am very interested in enhancing therapists understanding of what we know so far of the psychobiology of trauma. I also teach the Tri-Phasic Treatment of Trauma - Luxenberg, Spinazzola, Hidalgo, Hunt, and van der Kolk (2001). The three phases are: 1) stabilization, in preparation for reprocessing 2) reprocessing of traumatic memories and maladaptive coping styles, and 3) integration, including work with deficits that have resulted from traumatic experiences.
The preparation phase is thoroughly explored - including CBT, guided relaxation, resourcing, and evaluating re-traumatizing or destabilizing aspects of the client's current daily life. Establishing a strong therapeutic relationship based in consistent attunement is essential. The deficits phase includes teaching new coping skills. Treating clients with complex trauma is a focus of the group working both with reprocessing traumatic memories and processing maladaptive behaviors associated with attachment styles.
I offer different approaches to EMDR where the original protocols are modified. I think of this portion of the training as working on developing the art of EMDR. For example, it is important to assess which kind of bi-lateral stimulation works best for an individual, the length of the bi-lateral stimulation – number of passes - the amount of time devoted to reprocessing in a session, and the identification of targets. I include body-oriented reprocessing techniques in conjunction with EMDR. We will also review the incorporation of SUDs ratings, Negative Cognition, Validity of Cognition, and Positive Cognition.