Enhancing your trauma focused therapy with children and adolescents: knowledge and skills from an EMDR therapy perspective

Presenter: Dr Sarah Schubert

Join this discussion about the similarities and differences of using TF-CBT¹ and EMDR² to treat PTSD³.

EMDR therapy and trauma focused CBT are the evidence-based psychological therapies recommended by the World Health Organisation (2013) for the treatment of PTSD in children, adolescents, and adults. This masterclass aims to provide an overview of trauma therapy from an EMDR therapy perspective, highlighting some commonalities and differences to TF-CBT in the treatment of PTSD in children and adolescents.

Recent clinical practice guideline recommendations for the use of EMDR therapy for treating trauma and associated child/adolescent presentations will be summarised. Evidence that has combined TF-CBT and EMDR to treat trauma will also be discussed. Theoretically how PTSD develops and the underlying mechanisms of how EMDR therapy may work to resolve trauma will be discussed from a memory processing, neurobiological, and psychophysiological point of view.

The 8 phases of EMDR therapy will be described, highlighting commonalities and differences from trauma-focused CBT. Also, from an EMDR therapy framework, the assessment of trauma, case conceptualisation, and treatment planning for the most effective and efficient trauma therapy will be discussed. In addition, assessing suitability for trauma focused therapy, providing younger clients a rational for trauma memory processing, and preparing children and adolescents for collaborative trauma therapy will be described. Brief video will be shown to see what memory processing within EMDR therapy looks like in practice, with the aim to show how memory processing within EMDR differs from that of trauma focused CBT (i.e. prolonged exposure).

This masterclass is for anyone with an interest and passion for working with children and adolescents who suffer the effects of experiencing trauma early in life.

¹ Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy; ² Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing; ³ Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Key Learning Objectives

1. Be familiar with the evidence for treating PTSD in children and adolescents
2. Awareness of the 8 phases of EMDR therapy
3. Understand the commonalities and differences of trauma memory processing within EMDR and TF-CBT

Assumed Background Knowledge and Experience of Attendees

Basic: Casual familiarity with topic area; e.g., treated one case

Implications / Applications of Learning for Clinical Practice

The knowledge provided will enhance theoretical understanding of PTSD development and recovery from an EMDR therapy perspective. Skills and techniques discussed for assessing and preparing clients for trauma work can be applied within a broad range of trauma focused therapeutic approaches, including TF-CBT.

Duration & Format / Training Modalities

This 2 hour masterclass will include clinical case examples, practical skill demonstration, handouts, and video of clinical work.

This workshop has 2 hours CPD, and morning tea is included in your registration.

References – readings

International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) (2019). Treatment Guidelines Documents.

World Health Organisation (2013). Guidelines for the management of conditions specifically related to stress.

Chen, Y.-R., Hung, K.-W., Tsai, J.-C., Chu, H., Chung, M.-H., Chen, S.-R., et al. (2014). Efficacy of eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing for patients with posttraumatic-stress disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Books:

Adler-Tapia, R. & Settle, C. (2017). EMDR and the Art of Psychotherapy with Children; Treatment Manual and Text. 2^nd edition. NY: Springer Publishing.  [AACBT Members get a discount from Footprint Books]

Gomez, A. M. (2013) EMDR therapy and adjunct approaches with children: Complex trauma, attachment, and dissociation. New York: Springer. [AACBT Members get a discount from Footprint Books]

Please arrive after 9:30am for a 10:00am start.

Non-members can join now and have free entry, plus all the other advantages of AACBT Membership!