EMDR in the treatment of pain and Medically unexplained Symptoms

Over 100 years ago medically unexplained pain (MUS or Hysteria) stimulated the development of modern psychology. Medically unexplained pain continues to challenge and confound sufferers and treating professionals alike. As the old adage ‘the body remembers’ reminds us, behind its “not me” stance and misdirected physical focus, chronic pain often conceals unresolved trauma and failed attempts to deal with vulnerability. Given its efficacy with trauma, EMDR presents as a promising approach. However, the unique characteristics of MUS (including physical pathology, somatic discomfort, somatoform dissociation, and health-related trauma) demand many modifications to the standard trauma protocol. More than ever EMDR treatment of pain/MUS requires a phased, integrative approach incorporating elements of psychodynamic, somatic, hypnotic and ego-state approaches.

Drawing on his 30 years of clinical experience, independent research, dissociation theory and current trends in neurologically informed psychotherapy, Mark will share practical and conceptual strategies for working with this client population. The material will be illustrated through case-histories, videos, demonstrations and experiential activities. A basic understanding of EMDR (eg; level one trained) is assumed.

Contents:

I. Introduction: (pre-recorded segment)

Overview of a trauma-informed approach to MUS/chronic pain

Day one:

II. EMDR pain protocol

• 8 key differences between the standard trauma protocol and EMDR pain protocol(s)

• Trauma-informed case-conceptualization; pitfalls and typical issues.

• Dissociative phenomena in clients with MUS

• Issues and practices in the desensitization phase

• Why a SUD’s of ‘0’ is not the end of processing

• How to maintain a somatic focus

• Resourcing; from within and without

• EMDR treatment of medical vs medically unexplained pain

• Some common stuck-points and how to address them

Day two

III. Integrating EMDR with hypnosis and ego-state approaches

• What is hypnosis

• Hypnosis, Trauma and pain

• Similarities and differences between EMDR and hypnosis

• Double binds and pain

• 4 key ways in which hypnosis can enhance EMDR therapy

• 7 hypnotic skills for enhancing EMDR

• How when and where to apply hypnotic strategies in EMDR

• Formal and informal trance-work

• Hypnotic aspects of ego state work