Course Outline

DAY ONE

I. Foundations of Trauma and Dissociation:
Overview of psychotraumatology.
Overview of the Structural Dissociation model.
Differential diagnosis and standardized assessment tools for trauma-related disorders.
Phase-oriented treatment model for PTSD and Complex PTSD.
Methods for stabilization.
II. Standardized Symptom Assessment.
III. Standardized Assessment of Dissociative Symptoms and Disorders.
IV. History and Overview of EMDR.
V. Overview of the eight phases of EMDR.
VI. Model, Method, and Mechanism.
Model – Adaptive Information Processing (AIP).
Method – Standard EMDR Protocol for PTSD.
Possible mechanisms underlying the empirically supported treatment effects of EMDR.
VII. Conducting EMDR Therapy via Teletherapy.

DAY TWO

I. Case Formulation — Attachment Theory as a Foundation for EMDR Treatment Planning.
II. Principles and Approaches to History Taking in ASD, PTSD, Complex PTSD, and DDNOS/DID.
III. Assessing Readiness for Reprocessing.
IV. Preparation Phase:
The therapeutic alliance.
Psychoeducation on diagnosis and treatment of PTSD with EMDR.
Issues and methods of informed consent for EMDR treatment.
Introducing mechanics of bilateral eye movements and alternative BLS.
V. Didactic Training and Demonstration of Stabilization Methods:
Breathing exercises and coherence training.
Calm place exercise.
Resource development and installation (RDI).

DAY THREE

I. Review: History Taking and Targeting Sequence.
II. Case Examples of History Taking and Targeting Sequence.
III. Phase Three – Assessment of the Target to Be Reprocessed.
Purposes of the assessment phase.
Rationale for the order of steps in the assessment phase.
Procedural steps for the assessment phase:
1. Image
2. Negative Cognition
3. Positive Cognition
4. Validity of Cognition
5. Emotion
6. SUD
7. Location
Video demonstrating the Assessment Phase.
IV. Introduction to Basic Elements of Phases Four, Five, Six, and Seven.

DAY FOUR

I. Review: The Assessment Phase.
II. Desensitization – Phase Four.
III. Installation – Phase Five.
IV. Body Scan – Phase Six.
V. Closure – Phase Seven.
VI. Selecting Clients for Initial Clinical Application of EMDR Reprocessing.
VII. Standards for Scope of Practice During and After Basic Training in EMDR.
VIII. Video Demonstrating Phases Three to Seven.

DAY FIVE

I. Review of Principles and Procedures in Phases Four, Five, Six, and Seven.
II. Phase Eight – Re-evaluation.
Video demonstrating Re-evaluation.
III. Introduction to Using EMDR with Children and Adolescents.
IV. Introduction to Maintaining and Restoring Effective Reprocessing.

DAY SIX

I. Treating Unconsolidated Memories with the “Recent Events” Protocol.
II. Working with Combat Trauma and Military Culture.
III. Advanced Topics in Maintaining and Restoring Effective Reprocessing.
Video demonstrating the use of Interweaves during reprocessing.

DAY SEVEN

I. Treating Somatic Disorders and Chronic Pain with EMDR.
II. Treating Traumatic and Complex Grief with EMDR.
III. Treating Specific Phobias with EMDR.
IV. Treating Panic Attacks with and without Agoraphobia.
V. Protocols for Substance Abuse and Compulsive Behaviors.

DAY EIGHT

I. Working with Survivors of Incest, Sexual Abuse, and Early Neglect.
II. Issues in Working with Severe DDNOS and DID.
III. Completing the Treatment Plan in Cases of PTSD.
IV. The EMDR Community.
V. The Need for Ongoing Continuing Education in EMDR and Consultation.
VI. Systems Issues:
Insurance reimbursement and acceptance by agency clinical directors.
Adjunctive use of EMDR.
EMDRIA member code of conduct.