Phase One

Trouble Finding an Individual Memory in EMDR Therapy when Trauma was Daily: A Topographic Approach

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Using age, space, and topography to find an individual representative memory related to a presenting issue or a theme.

• Identify a negative cognition.
• What age do we need to work related to that theme and negative cognition?
• Home, school, or community?
• Where (what room) in that space do we need to work?
• Put yourself in that space at that age and related to that theme and negative cognition, what memory comes?
• Target that in EMDR Therapy.

Complex Trauma Modifications Overview: Phases One – Four

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This episode is a quick overview of some of the core skills that we will cover in more detail. When I suggest a modification to standard protocol, I try to explain the reasons for the modifications as clearly as possible.

Skills Covered:
  • Additional Questions to Consider in Phase One, Including Assessing for Complex Trauma
  • Conducting a Trauma Sensitive Phase One that Avoids a Detailed or Chronological Trauma Timeline
  • Starting the Process of Developing Attachment Resources for Attachment Wounding
  • Metaphor: Difference Between Walking Across Ohio and Riding in Bus Across Ohio
  • Metaphor: Don’t Tackle Mount Everest First with Clients With Complex Trauma
  • Events Have a Beginning, Middle, and End… Attachment Wounds are About Everything
  • Using the Videotape Approach with Complex Trauma