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ForwardStrategic Developmental Model for EMDR: Two Dissociative Cases
Abstract
The Strategic Developmental Model (SDM) for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy was developed by Maureen Kitchur, MSW, in 1996 in Alberta, Canada. SDM “is a model that was born out of desperation in the face of the overwhelming treatment needs of severe and multiple trauma victims, forensic clients, and short term funded high risk individuals” (Kitchur, 1996).
SDM has also been successfully but cautiously used in complex dissociative disorders. Although Kitchur provides some guidelines for the use of SDM in Other Specified Dissociative Disorder (OSDD) or Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), there are no published cases.
The word “strategic” is used in the name, SDM, because the therapy uses structures, techniques and language to produce a climate of safety, to engage cooperation, to minimize dissociation, regression, and resistance. “Developmental” is used because SDM aims to facilitate “developmental catch-up” by healing younger ego states before doing the adult trauma work. The SDM model starts by reviewing the patient’s genogram and entire developmental history. Strategic trauma and neglect memories for EMDR processing are then selected. For example, age 4-11 memories are targeted first (the parental relationship, each parent, known traumas) before the very early childhood traumas. SDM also provides a protocol for processing preverbal memories.
By detoxifying the earliest negative core beliefs first, subsequent trauma work is much easier and faster. Dissociation is less necessary as a protective coping strategy when ego states are not asked to participate in work that belongs to an earlier developmental stage. With SDM, lengthy resource installation or ego strengthening may not be necessary.
This presentation will describe the SDM model in detail and the use of the SDM in a case of OSDD type 1 and a case of DID. Kitchur’s cautions for use of SDM in OSDD and DID will be outlined as well as the presenter’s observations.
Target Audience
Intermediate
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Discuss three strategic developmental principles
- Describe how to map a client's history strategically with the use of the genogram
- Explain Kitchur's "Targeting Plan" of memories within a developmental perspective
- Outline Kitchur’s cautions for use of SDM in OSDD and DID
- Select appropriate clients for SDM based on the presenter’s observations
Course summary
- 1.50 APAThe 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.
- 1.50 ASWB ACEThe International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2024 – 08/20/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.50 continuing education credits.
- 1.50 ISSTD Certificate ProgramThis program is eligible for 1.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.
Marilyn Korzekwa, MD
Marilyn Korzekwa, MD, FRCPC, completed medicine at the University of Toronto in 1982 and psychiatry at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada in 1986, where she is an adjunct professor (part-time). She worked in general hospital outpatient psychiatry for 28 years, which included founding and running a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program and Day Hospital. She opened her private practice in 2014, specializing in trauma and dissociative disorders. Her 19 publications include 10 papers about Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), including 5 papers about dissociation in BPD with Paul Dell. She has completed both levels of training in DBT, EMDR, Lifespan Integration, Deep Brain Reorienting, Ego State Therapy, Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy, and Level 1 in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
She has been a member of EMDRIA since 1995 and became a certified consultant in 2022. She is a fellow of the ISSTD, a recipient of the Distinguished Achievement Award, the President’s Award of Distinction, and has been a member since 1992. She has chaired a Dissociative Disorders Study group in Hamilton, Ontario since 1993. She was chairperson of the Webinar committee from 2015 to 2021, helping to turn it into the successful program that it is today. Currently she is devoting her time ISSTD’s EMDR courses.
Available Credit
- 1.50 APAThe 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.
- 1.50 ASWB ACEThe International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2024 – 08/20/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.50 continuing education credits.
- 1.50 ISSTD Certificate ProgramThis program is eligible for 1.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.