Thrive Learning

ABSTRACT

Before Words: Somatic-Focused EMDR Therapy for Preverbal Trauma, Body Memory, and Attachment Grief, addresses the challenge many clinicians face in accessing and processing deep, core material related to preverbal trauma, body memory, and attachment grief with children and within the EMDR framework. The program focuses on a body-based approach to EMDR, aiming to increase clinician comfort and competence in using somatic-focused language and interventions to facilitate the release of trauma and achieve neural reorganization for a child or client. Taught by an EMDR trainer and trauma-informed yoga teacher, the course is designed to guide clinicians in safely engaging with the child's or client's nervous system to access this deep work.

OBJECTIVES

• Review basics of attachment theory, child development, somatic-focused therapy and EMDR and how these modalities interact in the 8 phase protocol.
• Integrate a somatic focused approach and somatic communication in the EMDR to meet developmental needs across EMDR's 8 phases.
• Provide clarification and psychoeducation for clients around the differences between preverbal trauma memory and cognitive memory.
• Create adaptive target plan to address the unique needs of preverbal and somatic-based trauma.
• Understand modifications to resourcing and processing phases of EMDR when taking a body-based approach for preverbal and attachment wounds.
• Understand how to use both EMD/EMDR to address somatic symptoms during processing phases.
• Apply Somatic-focused EMDR to holistically treat the client, regardless of how they "remember" their unique trauma stories.