Putting It All Together: Combining Somatic and Ego-State Therapies with EMDR to Change the Valence of Emotional Memories

Early emotional learning contributes significantly to our sense of self and to how we form attachments. Until recently, these early memories were thought to be immutable. Current research and literature in the field of Memory Reconsolidation (the reorganization of an existing memory), however, proposes that the way an emotionally-laden memory is held in the brain can be reworked (or reconsolidated). Since these emotionally informed learnings inform procedural, automatic behaviors, our clients and we can benefit from understanding the underlying principles of memory reconsolidation and the therapies best suited to that process.

This workshop will demonstrate ways a number of mindfulness-based, experiential therapies can be combined to shift the valence of emotional memory—whether those memories be trauma- or attachment-based.

The workshop will highlight interventions from Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and EMDR. It will also include interventions from ego state work and Hypnotherapy. Throughout the week, the instructor will differentiate between trauma and attachment work and will give special consideration to working with shame experiences. Each day will include a combination of video analysis, didactic presentation, and experiential learning. This course is well suited for clinicians of all levels interested in learning more about integrating somatic interventions into their current practice. Please note prior experience working with EMDR is not required.