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

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
10 Minutes - Introduction 
30 Minutes - Ego State Therapy with a Capital E-S-T
40 Minutes - Either/Or, or Both-And: Working only With, and Through, 'The Front Part' 
10 Minutes - Q&A 
35 Minutes - Not All Flashbacks are Created Equal 
40 Minutes - To Map or Not to Map: That is the Question
15 Minutes - Q&A and Wrap-Up 

This session was originally presented as a live conference session in April 2023.

Target Audience

Intermediate

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session participants will be able to:

  • Identify two distinct characteristics of the Watkinses’ Ego State Therapy
  • Name two challenges posed by working exclusively through a ‘front part’
  • Describe the process of ‘mapping’ as it applies to dissociative self-states
  • Describe two implications of the DSM-5-TR definition of flashbacks
  • Name and describe four possible conceptualizations for ‘classic’ post-traumatic flashbacks in persons with dissociative self-states
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 3.00 APA
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • 3.00 ASWB ACE
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. ISSTD maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2021 – 08/20/2024. Social workers completing this course receive 3.00 continuing education credits.
  • 3.00 ISSTD Certificate Program
    This program is eligible for 3.00 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program.
Course opens: 
10/01/2023
Course expires: 
12/31/2050
ISSTD Member cost:
$59.00
Your Price:
$79.00
Part of: 
Against the Grain: Shifting the Societal Denial of Dissociation (2023 Annual Conference) - Day One
Rating: 
0

Presenter: D. Michael Coy, MA, LICSW
Presenter Bio: D. Michael Coy, MA, LICSW (he/they) is a 2006 graduate of The Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice at the University of Chicago, and maintains a private practice in Bremerton, Washington, USA. Psychodynamically grounded, Michael integrates Ego State Therapy, EMDR, DBR, and hypnosis in his work. He consults on treating persons with complex trauma and dissociative experiences and has served as an expert for the State of Washington on standards of care in the treatment of dissociation with EMDR. Michael is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and Trainer, has served on EMDRIA’s Training Council and Standards & Training Committee and on the EMDR Council of Scholars. Since 2016, Michael has collaborated with Jennifer Madere and MID developer Paul F. Dell. He has co-authored the 2nd-4th editions of the MID Interpretive Manual and manages the MID Analysis and MID website. Jennifer and Michael have helped thousands of clinicians and researchers, both in the US and internationally, learn to use of the MID effectively. They have also collaborated on other ventures, and were invited plenary speakers at EMDRIA’s 2021 Annual Conference. Michael’s solo presentations explore relationships among Ego State Therapy, EMDR, and other approaches in the context of hypnotic phenomena. He co-authored both an article on screening for dissociation in EMDR therapy and a chapter on diagnosing the dissociative disorders, and was sole author of a chapter on the autohypnotic model of dissociation for a forthcoming edited volume. Michael was elected to ISSTD’s Board of Directors in 2017, subsequently becoming Treasurer. He was deeply involved in the development of ISSTD’s EMDR basic training, which he now co-teaches, and co-chairs that manages it. Michael has received a number of awards from ISSTD and was named a Fellow in 2019, all due in part to what one friend describes as ‘expansive’ boundaries.
 

Available Credit

  • 3.00 APA
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • 3.00 ASWB ACE
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. ISSTD maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2021 – 08/20/2024. Social workers completing this course receive 3.00 continuing education credits.
  • 3.00 ISSTD Certificate Program
    This program is eligible for 3.00 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program.

Price

ISSTD Member cost:
$59.00
Your Price:
$79.00
Please login or register to take this course.

"Your Price" above reflects your final price based on your membership status and career level. 

  • ISSTD defines a student as those enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certification in the mental health field and who have an interest in trauma and dissociation. 
  • ISSTD defines an emerging professional as mental health professionals who have completed an advanced degree and are in the first three years of their career (or first three years after graduation for researchers).
  • If you do not fall into one of the above categories please register as Professional/Retired. 

These prices are for Tier I countries. For a list of countries by Tier click here. If you are located in a country that falls into Tier II-VI please contact ISSTD at cfas@isst-d.org to receive the appropriate discount code. 

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