EMDR Mini-conference
April 10, 2010 at Oakland's Preservation Park
Presentation suited for all levels of EMDR
Clinicians
The Use of EMDR in Somatic and Medical Problems: Special Emphasis on Early Life Influences
By Phyllis
Klaus, MFT, LMSW
One-day workshop
(Abstract )
Clients facing
medical problems or experiencing somatic conditions present for psychotherapy with a variety of concerns which include:
distress or fears about the illness or condition itself i.e., cancer, anxiety about various aspects of
the treatment they need to undergo, surgery, etc., and some have trepidation and negative
experiences from their interaction with the medical system or medical personnel, causing secondary trauma.
Clients may also be concerned about the strength or
weakness of their own bodies to heal (immune system, mind/body potential). Many clients
suffer from chronic conditions, which occur in
either acute or chronic episodes and undermine their
lives, leaving them feeling debilitated and less functional than desired (i.e., asthma, migraine,
bowel problems, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, PMS, insomnia). Some aspects of illness may be the result of somatization due to childhood
trauma, secondary gain (a defense against
strong feelings), unconscious need to mask strong negative affect; dissociative disorders
or conversion reactions; as well as acute or chronic stress. Some chronic symptoms may be
due to long-term interpersonal problems.
Clients may be suffering from maladaptive patterns established during infancy or childhood creating pervasive dysfunction in one's sense of self, one's relationships, or in one's life function. Psychosomatic conditions my result. Many conditions have their origin during this early period where generational messages as well as traumatic events surrounding birth and the early period of life can have negative effects. Participants will learn methods to work within the infant mind/body memory to retrieve early trauma and the subsequent events that reinforced it as well as facilitate healing through the life path of the individual. Clinicians can benefit by recognizing the elements that influence these situations, learn innovative ways to uncover and resolve these very early experiences to help clients reach a higher level of adaptation for health.
History taking includes several levels of
investigation, including current and past psychosocial and symptom history, looking for
premorbid or co-morbid conditions, and helping clients uncover related traumas as well as unrecognized
strengths. Clinicians will learn a special multi-step approach to explore and develop targets for EMDR processing. In
addition, combining EMDR with mind/body methods can strengthen the client’s ability
to heal. There will be demonstration and practice of such methods and protocols.
(Abstract summary 100 words)
The Use of EMDR in
Somatic and Medical Problems: Special Emphasis on Early Life Influences
By Phyllis
Klaus, MFT, LMSW
Clients facing medical or somatic conditions
may present for psychotherapy with fears about the illness,
anxiety about treatment, trepidation about the medical system, and concern about their ability to heal. Many clients suffer from chronic conditions,
which undermine their lives, leaving them feeling less functional than desired.
Some conditions may be the result of somatization due to
childhood trauma, chronic stress, long-term interpersonal problems, or maladaptive
patterns established early in life. Therapy includes several levels of
investigation, including current and past symptom
and psychosocial history. Clinicians will learn about a multilayered approach to explore
and develop targets for EMDR processing as well as protocols for healing.
Objectives:
1. Describe methods to uncover and explore
emotional and psychological factors that affect acute or chronic physical
conditions.
2. Identify the effects of experiences
that may have influenced the disease process or reinforced body's weakened defenses.
3. Demonstrate the role of EMDR to work
through any layers of associated traumas, desensitize negative events and beliefs,
and empower client.
4. Increase clinical awareness of how EMDR combines with other
psychological techniques to alleviate distress,
provide symptomatic relief, and enhance healing.
5. Describe, demonstrate, and practice
some psychotherapeutic methods to help resolve and heal these experiences
Teaching Strategy:
Lecture with case examples
Group discussion
Clinical application
Demonstration
Handouts
Skill practice session
Q & A session
Small Biographical Sketch (100 words)
Phyllis Klaus MFT,
LMSW, licensed psychotherapist, teaches and practices at the Milton Erickson Institute in