Abstract: Over the past fifteen years, more attention has been given to the adjunctive use of ‘parts’-informed approaches with EMDR therapy, specifically when treating persons with complex trauma histories. With the introduction and widespread adoption of the Structural Theory of Dissociation (van der Hart et al., 2006), much of the focus in the EMDR literature has been upon ‘parts’ therapies that favor working primarily with, and almost exclusively through, ‘Apparently Normal’ and adult self-states, essentially those self-states that are perceived to ‘front’ in daily life. However, there are both conceptual and practical challenges inherent in such an approach, as well as benefits to exploring other approaches tor ‘parts’ work.
In this presentation, we will deepen into both conceptual and practical aspects of an Ego State Therapy/EMDR treatment frame, by exploring 1) the dominant paradigm for ‘parts’ work in EMDR therapy and examine contrasts with Ego State Therapy (Watkins & Watkins, 1997), a well-established but lesser acknowledged (and understood) ‘parts’ approach; 2) the potential challenges of focusing on the priorities and needs of adult ‘parts’ to the exclusion of other self-states imposed by this dominant paradigm; 3) different manifestations of post-traumatic flashback more easily understood through the lens of the self-system as a multidimensional dynamic, and the resulting importance of clarifying internal dynamics to ensure appropriate use of EMDR therapy methods; and 4) the intentional ‘mapping’ of the self-system and its psychodynamics, and how this practice can very concretely enhance treatment outcomes in EMDR therapy when treating persons with dissociative features.
Timed Outline: 10 Minutes - Introduction 30 Minutes - Rules of the Road: EMDR & Dissociation 35 Minutes - Ego State Therapy with a Capital E-S-T 15 Minutes - Q&A 30 Minutes - Break 75 Minutes - To Map or Not to Map: That is the Question 15 Minutes - Q&A 90 Minutes - Break 75 Minutes - Not All Flashbacks are Created Equal 15 Minutes - Q&A 30 Minutes - Break 60 Minutes - Either/Or, or Both-And? Working Only With, and Through, ‘the Front Part’ 30 Minutes - Discussion and Wrap-Up
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session participants will be able to:
Identify two distinct characteristics of the Watkinses’ Ego State Therapy
Name two potential challenges posed by working exclusively through a ‘front part’
Describe two implications of the DSM-5-TR definition of flashbacks
Name and describe four possible, but often hidden, dimensions of post-traumatic flashbacks in persons with dissociative self-states
Describe the process of ‘mapping’ as it applies to dissociative self-states
