Enhancing EMDR Therapy Outcomes Through the Therapeutic Relationship – Central Time – Roger Soloman and Michael Hase *** CLOSED ***

EMDR was introduced as EMD in 1987 as a treatment for PTSD and was developed into the comprehensive therapy approach named EMDR therapy over the course of time. Dr. Francine Shapiro obviously conceptualized the AIP Model not only as a model of inadequately processed

memories but also as a model of positive experiences or resources, needed to reprocess the negative memories. Interestingly Shapiro explicitly mentions the therapeutic relationship in her textbook, but

refrains from describing the therapeutic relationship in EMDR therapy in more detail.

The therapeutic relationship should be described as a core element of EMDR therapy but differs from the therapeutic relationship in other psychotherapeutic approaches and seems be related to thestructure of EMDR therapy.

As attachment theory offers a view on the development of interpersonal relationship in general, and an attachment theory-based perspective of the therapeutic relationship seems advisable.

In this workshop we will develop a framework to understand the basis and special nature of thetherapeutic relationship in EMDR therapy. We will propose means to facilitate the development of therapeutic relationship and means to deepen it especially in attachment deficit clients. The concepts of attunement, sensitivity, and coregularion will be discussed in relation to EMDR therapy.

Video demonstrations will highlight the most important aspects and facilitate the transfer into clinical practice. Implications for treatment, training and research will be discussed.

Participant will be able to:

• Describe an attachment theory-based view on the AIP Model.
• Apply the attachment theory informed strategies when utilizing EMDR theory
• updated on the current status of EMDR.
• Discuss the therapeutic relationship for containment.
• Apply memory reprocessing utilizing the concepts attunement in regard to EMDR therapy.
• Apply memory reprocessing utilizing the concepts sensitivity in regard to EMDR therapy.
• Discuss memory reprocessing utilizing the concepts co-regulation in regard to EMDR therapy.
• List 3 bilateral stimulation strategies to enhance reprocessing.
• List 3 appropriate resourcing strategies to facilitate the development of the therapeutic relationship in EMDR therapy.
• Describe the structural model of EMDR therapy to improve therapeutic action.
• Apply relational strategies to keep the client within the Window of Tolerance.

8:00-8:30 Check in

8:30-10:00: History and Evolution of EMDR therapy; Reflections on a structure in EMDR therapy; Attachment theory and the AIP Model

10:00-10:15 Break

10:15-12:00 Attachment theory and the AIP Model, continued

12:00-1:00 Lunch

1:00-2:30 Sensitive behavior and the therapeutic relationship in EMDR therapy; Using therapeutic presence during memory reprocessing

2:30-2:45: Break

2:45-5:30 The structure in EMDR therapy; Attachment related EMDR therapy resourcing strategies