Toward an Embodied Self – The Neurobiology of Attachment and Trauma
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Training Description
The neurobiology of attachment and trauma has resulted in the recent emergence of somatic interventions for treating trauma. This workshop will frame Porges’ polyvagal theory, Schore’s right hemisphere and developmental postulates with in the neural network understand of the Adaptive Information Process theory that underlies EMDR; introduce several key somatic interventions including: somatic resources, tracking, discharging, pendulation, micro-movements, and boundaries, with a framework of somatic empathy (Stanley, 2006), and 3) identify where the eight step process of EMDRIA specific somatic elements can be utilized while maintaining the integrity of EMDR.
Examples are for Phase One: Treatment planning: Identifying whether the individual can move directly to EMDR or needs “wires hook up” to the soma, for Phase Two: Preparation via a) teaching tracking internal sensations, b) somatic resourcing to strengthen the self through engaging the ventral vagal system, c) instructing in discharging sympathetic arousal, d) enabling internal coherency to be established through titrating between resources and disturbance to induce spontaneous oscillation; Phase Four: Desensitization in which the somatic are set aside unless looping occurs, or which somatic interweaves may include tracking, micro-movements, boundaries; and Phase Seven: Closure via establishing internal coherency, as a few among other phased somatic interventions. The workshop provides substantial practicum time to gain familiarity with the somatic methods.
Trainer Biography
Dr Sandra Paulsen is co-editor of “The Neurobiology & Treatment of Traumatic Dissociation: Toward an Embodied Self” (2014), and author of, “Looking Through the Eyes of Trauma & Dissociation: An Illustrated Guide for EMDR Therapists and Clients.” She is a fellow of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. She was invited faculty at the First and Third World Congresses of Ego State Therapy in Germany, 2003 and South Africa, 2010, Japan EMDR Conference 2010, Masters Series Lecturer at EMDRIA conference in Toronto, 2004. She wrote chapters in Corsini’s Encyclopedia of Psychology and Handbook of Innovative Psychotherapy, and in Shapiro’s Solutions II, Forgash’s Healing the Heart of Trauma, and Luber’s EMDR Scripted Protocols. She has collaborated with John G. Watkins, originator of ego state therapy. She was Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Hawaii; and Acting Chief Psychologist at Queens Medical Center in Honolulu. She now lives and works on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, specializing in intensive treatment for early trauma and attachment injuries.
Learning Objectives
This training is designed to help you:
- Explain the significance of neuro biological advances and somatic therapy of EMDR practice
- Demonstrate elements of somatic therapy
- Describe four places in the standard protocol in which somatic interventions may be appropriately utilized
