Exploring Unthought Knowns in Integrating Ego State Therapy and EMDR to Treat Dissociation

This session is available for 3.00 APA, ASWB, and EMDRIA credits.

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'-informed therapies that favor working primarily with ‘Apparently Normal’ parts, essentially those self-states that tend 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 discuss the dominant paradigm for ‘parts’ work in EMDR therapy and examine Ego State Therapy (Watkins & Watkins, 1997) as a well-established but lesser acknowledged ‘parts’ approach for use in EMDR therapy; explore the potential challenges of predominantly focusing on the priorities and needs of a ‘front’ part to the exclusion of other self-states; discuss the use of ‘mapping’ of self-states and its potential value in the context of EMDR therapy; and, finally, delve into different manifestations of ‘classic’ post-traumatic flashbacks that are more easily understood through the lens of the self-system as a multidimensional construct, and the importance of clarifying internal dynamics to ensure appropriate use of EMDR therapy methods.

Timed Outline
PART I (90 min)
I. Introduction (10 min)
II. Ego State Therapy with a Capital E-S-T (30 min)
III. Either/Or, or Both-And: Working only With, and Through, 'The Front Part' (40 min)
IV. Q&A (10 min)

MID-SESSION BREAK (30 min)

PART II (90 min)
V. Not All Flashbacks are Created Equal (35 min)
VI. To Map or Not to Map: That is the Question (40 min)
VII. Q&A and Wrap-Up (15 min)