Linking two cutting-edge approaches to form a robust healing model. Polyvagal Theory and EMDR are two well-respected theoretical and practical models with immense implications for therapeutic practice. Polyvagal-Informed EMDR outlines a comprehensive approach for integrating Polyvagal Theory into EMDR Therapy. Individually, each model offers powerful pathways to healing. Combined, these models supercharge therapy and the recovery process. The integration of Polyvagal Theory within the eight phases of EMDR Therapy offers the psychotherapist a robust, dynamic, neuro-informed framework for case conceptualization, treatment planning, and client transformation. The approach applies not only to work with trauma and PTSD, but also in the treatment of addictions, anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, and adjustment disorders. EMDR therapists will find a method that maintains fidelity to the evidence-based practice of EMDR and aligns with current neuroscience research. Topics covered include the nervous system and toxic stress, neuroception, adaptive memory networks and autonomic resiliency, neuro-informed history taking, and the importance of therapeutic presence. Clinical interventions, scripts, and handouts are included for all eight phases of EMDR, as well as case examples and opportunities for experiential practice. This is the first book to treat these topics together: assessing complex material and presenting it in an approachable, engaging manner.

"[R]eading this book has given me a whole host of new ideas about working with complex and dissociative clients... Clear and engaging, peppered with relevant case histories, this book would make an important addition to anyone's EMDR-related book collection." -- Dr. Robin Logie, EMDR UK & Ireland This book is the first to bring together in one volume an overview of the principal issues in treatment of dissociative disorders in complex PTSD, and a description of the integration of specific EMDR-related interventions or "tools" with other psychotherapeutic treatments. These tools can significantly extend the therapeutic power of EMDR-related methods. Each intervention is examined in detail with accompanying transcripts illustrating the nuances and variations in how the intervention is applied. It is written by a highly esteemed EMDR scholar, trainer, international speaker, and author who is an EMDRIA-designated "Master Clinician." The book discusses how the concepts and vocabulary of other models of dissociation (particularly the Theory of Structural Dissociation of the Personality, and the Internal Family Systems model) translate directly into EMDRís Adaptive Information Processing language. It presents detailed descriptions of specific EMDR-related tools that are useful in facilitating and safely accelerating therapeutic progress with clients suffering from Complex PTSD. These include such standard EMDR procedures as Trauma Processing and Resource Installation, several conceptual/cognitive/phenomenological models of dissociative personality structures and symptoms, and specific EMDR interventions for resolving dysfunctionally stored post-traumatic elements. The book will be of great value to therapists who wish to extend their use of basic EMDR with "easier" clients to using it effectively with more complex clients. Key Features: Provides a theoretical framework to guide assessment and treatment of clients with Complex PTSD Serves as a "hands-on" resource for using specific EMDR procedures Describes each intervention in detail, illustrating the nuances and variations in different applications Includes specific "AIP" tools, actual therapy scripts, and client drawings Covers DSM-V PSTD criteria

The first book to integrate EMDR Therapy treatment of sexual trauma with a focus on helping clients achieve empowered sexual health This unique text provides EMDR clinicians with a complete toolkit, assisting sexual trauma survivors in moving from symptomology reduction/elimination to optimal sexual health and functioning. By integrating sexual health and EMDR Therapy together throughout this innovative book, the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model is applied to sexual health, with sexual health-related material blended into all eight phases of the EMDR Protocol. Encompassing principles and best practices of current helpful positive sexual health frameworks, including fundamental sex therapy information and sex education models, this first of its kind EMDR Therapy resource disseminates essential information on anatomy, the history of sex research, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and pregnancy related issues, the Dual Control Model of arousal and desire, spontaneous and responsive desire, arousal non-concordance, models of consent for sexual activities, and out of control sexual behaviors. This guide considers the gender experience of trauma for all EMDR Therapy clients, covering challenges, concepts, and helpful strategies for discussing sensitive sexual health matters. It addresses sexual/affectional orientation, consensual non-monogamy, and how EMDR Therapy can help address the sexual health concerns of erotically marginalized populations. Also covered are matters of aging and spirituality as they impact sexual health. Packed with helpful resources such as questionnaires, guidelines, case examples, charts, cutting-edge diagrams, and anatomy illustrations with non-gendered labels, EMDR therapists will gain the knowledge and confidence they need to facilitate optimal sexual health for the clients in their practice. Key Features: Reinforces innovative content with abundant and diverse case studies Includes first-time publication of two valuable questionnaires: Sexual History Questionnaire and Sexual Styles Survey Delivers new EMDR Therapy resources for facilitating sexual health--Bubble Boundary and Self-Compassion Container Provides a new EMDR Therapy future-oriented resource--Strengthening a Confident and Joyful Sexual Self Examines in-depth sexual/affectional orientation, relationship status such as consensual non-monogamy, and pregnancy loss Includes helpful, nonjudgmental, and affirming information about the kink/BDSM population Provides an overview of EMDR Therapy and sexual health for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities Describes important sexual health frameworks and concepts Includes sex-positive resources for further education along with client handouts

Innovative clinicians share their experiences integrating Polyvagal Theory into their treatment models. Clinicians who have dedicated their work to bringing the benefits of the Polyvagal Theory to a range of clients have come together to present Polyvagal Theory in a creative and personal way. Chapters on a range of topics from compassionate medical care to optimized therapeutic relationships to clinician's experiences as parents extract from the theory the powerful influence and importance of cases and feelings of safety in the clinical setting. Additionally, there are chapters which: elaborate on the principle of safety in clinical practice with children with abuse histories explain the restorative consequences of movement, rhythm, and dance in promoting social connectedness and resilience in trauma survivors explains how Polyvagal Theory can be used to understand the neurophysiological processes in various therapies discuss dissociative processes and treatments designed to experience bodily feelings of safety and trust examine fear of flying and how using positive memories as an active "bottom up" neuroceptive process may effectively down-regulate defense shed light on the poorly understood experience of grief Through the insights of innovative and benevolent clinicians, whose treatment models are Polyvagal informed, this book provides an accessible way for clinicians to embrace this groundbreaking theory in their own work.

Integrating the latest in attachment theory and research into the use of EMDR. Much has been written about trauma and neglect and the damage they do to the developing brain. But little has been written or researched about the potential to heal these attachment wounds and address the damage sustained from neglect or poor parenting in early childhood. This book presents a therapy that focuses on precisely these areas. Laurel Parnell, leader and innovator in the field of eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), offers us a way to embrace two often separate worlds of knowing: the science of early attachment relationships and the practice of healing within an EMDR framework. This beautifully written and clinically practical book combines attachment theory, one of the most dynamic theoretical areas in psychotherapy today, with EMDR to teach therapists a new way of healing clients with relational trauma and attachment deficits. Readers will find science-based ideas about how our early relationships shape the way the mind and brain develop from our young years into our adult lives. Our connections with caregivers induce neural circuit firings that persist throughout our lives, shaping how we think, feel, remember, and behave. When we are lucky enough to have secure attachment experiences in which we feel seen, safe, soothed, and secure—the “four S’s of attachment” that serve as the foundation for a healthy mind—these relational experiences stimulate the neuronal activation and growth of the integrative fibers of the brain. EMDR is a powerful tool for catalyzing integration in an individual across several domains, including memory, narrative, state, and vertical and bilateral integration. In Laurel Parnell’s attachment-based modifications of the EMDR approach, the structural foundations of this integrative framework are adapted to further catalyze integration for individuals who have experienced non-secure attachment and developmental trauma. The book is divided into four parts. Part I lays the groundwork and outlines the five basic principles that guide and define the work. Part II provides information about attachment-repair resources available to clinicians. This section can be used by therapists who are not trained in EMDR. Part III teaches therapists how to use EMDR specifically with an attachment-repair orientation, including client preparation, target development, modifications of the standard EMDR protocol, desensitization, and using interweaves. Case material is used throughout. Part IV includes the presentation of three cases from different EMDR therapists who used attachment-focused EMDR with their clients. These cases illustrate what was discussed in the previous chapters and allow the reader to observe the theoretical concepts put into clinical practice—giving the history and background of the clients, actual EMDR sessions, attachment-repair interventions within these sessions and the rationale for them, and information about the effects of the interventions and the course of treatment.

This unique, collaborative book, featuring contributions from autistic and non-autistic experts, presents cutting-edge thinking on mental health and service transformation in relation to autistic children and young people (CYP) and their families. Investigating how to implement collaborative approaches to supporting autistic CYP's mental health, this book considers ways for professionals to share power and co-design models of support, promoting self-agency and supportive environments for autistic acceptance and wellbeing. Each chapter includes reflections and vignettes from autistic CYP and allies, key questions and thinking points for readers to consider. The book also includes a link for an e-library with multimedia material with the top take aways for clinicians such as animations, flyers and recorded interviews. The book will be of immense interest to individuals working with autistic CYP and their families in mental health at any level.

A guide to help EMDR practitioners to integrate somatic therapy into their sessions. Clients who have experienced traumatic events and seek EMDR therapists rely on them as guides through their most vulnerable moments. Trauma leaves an imprint on the body, and if clinicians don't know how to stay embodied in the midst of these powerful relational moments, they risk shutting down with their clients or becoming overwhelmed by the process. If the body is not integrated into EMDR therapy, full and effective trauma treatment is unlikely. This book offers an integrative model of treatment that teaches therapists how to increase the client's capacity to sense and feel the body, helps the client work through traumatic memories in a safe and regulated manner, and facilitates lasting integration. Part I (foundational concepts) offers a broad discussion of theory and science related to trauma treatment. Readers will be introduced to essential components of EMDR therapy and somatic psychology. The discussion then deepens into the science of embodiment through the lens of research on emotion, memory, attachment, interpersonal neurobiology, and the impact of trauma on overall health. This part of the book emphasizes the principles of successful trauma treatment as phase-oriented, mindfulness-based, noninterpretive, experiential, relational, regulation focused, and resilience-informed. Part II (interventions) presents advanced scripted protocols that can be integrated into the eight phases of EMDR therapy. These interventions provide support for therapists and clients who want to build somatic awareness through experiential explorations that incorporate mindfulness of sensations, movement impulses, breath, and boundaries. Other topics discussed include a focus on complex PTSD and attachment trauma, which addresses topics such as working with preverbal memories, identifying ego states, and regulating dissociation; chronic pain or illness; and culturally-based traumatic events. Also included is a focused model of embodied self-care to prevent compassion fatigue and burnout.

This pioneering guide is the first of its kind to integrate the FUNTM program with the brainbody therapies known as EMDR, Brainspotting, and Yoga Nidra. It provides clear guidance on how to safely use therapeutic tools and self-regulation exercises for clinicians and individuals impacted by trauma, addiction, anxiety, grief, family dysfunction, and stress. It offers a comprehensive toolbox of strategies and techniques to use during therapy sessions or on your own. The science behind each modality and approach is explained in detail along with how they can be applied to maximize self-care care and enhance the therapeutic relationship. Techniques include case conceptualization, the use of mental imagery, directing attention to sensations in the body, focused eye movements and positions, and many more. Dr Shafer draws on her extensive, internationally recognised and evidence-based research in this accessible and innovative book. Clinicians will be able to diversify their scope of practice and further aid their clients' healing through the integrative potential of The FUNTM Program, EMDR, Brainspotting, and Yoga Nidra.

Explains how to use the psychotherapeutic technique of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help alleviate the effects of severe trauma, depression, and stress and promote total health, fitness, and well-being.

How to start, do, and complete psychotherapy that is trauma-and attachment-based as well as culturally informed. Most books about doing psychotherapy are tied to particular psychotherapeutic practices. Here, seasoned clinical author Robin Shapiro teaches readers the ins and outs of a trauma- and attachment- informed approach that is not tied to any one model or method. This book teaches assessment, treatment plans, enhancing the therapeutic relationship, and ethics and boundary issues, all within a general framework of attachment theory and trauma. Practical chapters talk about working with attachment problems, grief, depression, cultural differences, affect tolerance, anxiety, addiction, trauma, skill- building, suicidal ideation, psychosis, and the beginning and end of therapy. Filled with examples, suggestions for dialogue, and questions for a variety of therapeutic situation, Shapiro’s conversational tone makes the book very relatable. Early- career therapists will refer to it for years to come, and veteran practitioners looking for a refresher (or introduction) to the latest in trauma and attachment work will find it especially useful.