Darwin | EMDR 2.0 and Special Techniques - Presented by Suzy Matthijssen

EMDR 2.0 and Special Techniques Workshop

****EMDR Level 1 training is a prerequisite for this course****

Day 1

The purpose of this workshop is to gain new inspiration for the treatment of patients suffering from chronic and severe PTSD and/or with severe comorbid psychopathology who display high levels of anxiety and dissociation, and with whom limited treatment effects were reached. 

EMDR therapy prospers in a climate that supports innovation but insists upon corroborating research to validate findings. To this end, EMDR 2.0 is a version of EMDR therapy that is based on the EMDR standard protocol, but with a number of adjustments with regard to the implementation of EMDR therapy. These adjustments are based on clinical experience with the treatment of patients with complex PTSD, and scientific research into the working memory theory, and the effects of working memory-taxing tasks on traumatic memories. 

More specifically, EMDR 2.0 is based on the premise that if the client is better motivated, if the memory is better activated, and if the patient’s working memory is taxed more strongly, this has a positive influence on the effectiveness and efficiency of EMDR therapy.  In this lecture effective new applications will be demonstrated varying from modality-specific working memory-taxing techniques, and other techniques that are meant to destabilize memories. This will be done through video fragments of treatments in clinical practice.

Participants will learn a range of memory-taxing tasks including:

• super-fast eye movements with varying patterns,
• spelling tasks,
• saying words out loud,
• shock effects, tapping complex rhythms,
• V-steps and
• the “EMD bomb” 

Day 1 Schedule

Day 2

Building on day 1, Suzy will explain how clinicians can use special EMDR techniques which can be applied to treat patients with a variety of mental health conditions, including Complex PTSD. They will show how to deal with the ingrained avoidance patterns of patients who are too afraid and avoidant to get started with trauma-focused therapy. 

Through extensive - and step-by-step - demonstrations the presenters will illustrate the application of these EMDR 2.0 consistent (i.e., including deliberate taxation of working memory) techniques - as well as various titration techniques designed to help patients manage the affect associated with EMDR procedures to help patients to continue effective reprocessing.

Additionally, this workshop will teach, with examples, the use of the Flashforward technique which addresses anticipatory anxiety. The effectiveness and versatility of the Flashforward technique has been strongly scientifically substantiated. In this workshop you will learn how to use the Flashforward technique in combination with the Mental Video Check, another technique, which is used as an indispensable method in the treatment of anxiety disorders with EMDR therapy. You will also learn how to use the Flashforward technique with patients who are inclined to dissociate such as those with complex PTSD or borderline personality disorder features. All techniques can be used in both “on-site” and virtual therapy and the “how to’s” for each will be discussed.

Participants will be able to:

• Describe the indication areas for which the “EMDR bomb” and “Flash 1.0” can be used.
• Describe possible advantages of using the “EMDR bomb” and “Flash 1.0”.
• Describe how the “EMDR bomb” and “Flash 1.0” can be used in individuals suffering from Complex PTSD in both on-site and virtual therapy.
• Have knowledge of several titration techniques to maintain successful reprocessing of memories.
• Describe the indication areas for which the Flashforward technique and the mental video check can be used.
• Describe possible advantages of using the Flashforward technique and the mental video check.
• Describe how the Flashforward technique can be used when dissociation is preventing access to traumatic memories.
• Describe how the Flashforward technique can be used via virtual therapy.

Day 2 Schedule

Presenter Details

Suzy Matthijssen

Suzy Matthijssen, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist-psychotherapist, senior researcher, CBT consultant, EMDR Europe Trainer and psychotraumatherapist NtVP. She is the vice president of the Dutch EMDR association, is in the scientific committee of EMDR Europe, and is the former co-chair of the Council of Scholars, the Future of EMDR project. Apart from that, she is the director of the Enhancing Trauma Treatment – Institute. Also, she is the director of the PSYTREC Academy, and as such, she is responsible for research and education. The focus of the research she conducts is on the optimization of trauma treatments. She is involved in research on the enhancement of trauma therapy, intensive trauma treatments, and the working mechanisms of trauma therapy.

Accommodation

For guests travelling to Darwin, please see here for accommodation at the Hilton. 

Cancellation policy:
Tickets cancelled more than one week prior to the scheduled event start time will be refunded 90% of the ticket cost. The residual 10% will be retained for administrative costs. Cancellations within one week of the event forfeit the full cost because the venue expenses are paid one week before the event. 

About The ITTC

The Intensive Trauma Treatment Centre (ITTC) breaks down barriers to trauma therapy, providing evidence-based, lasting solutions to help individuals heal and reclaim their lives. We've successfully replicated the Psytrec/Dutch model of intensive PTSD and cPTSD treatment and are now offering Intensive Personality Disorder Treatment. The ITTC has clinical rooms in Stafford (Brisbane) and Buderim (Sunshine Coast). The ITTC combines prolonged exposure, EMDR, and EMDR 2.0 with therapist rotation techniques to enhance treatment effectiveness, reduce dropout, and lower the risk of relapse compared with conventional delivery of trauma-focussed therapy.

Want to work with us? Email your cover letter and resume to: admin@ittc.com.au

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