Clients Reporting Book Helpful!

When I wrote "Looking Through the Eyes of Trauma and Dissociation: An Illustrated Guide for EMDR Therapists and Clients," I intended it to both instruct therapists the way that my workshops have for nearly two decades, but also to be a source for clients. Over the years, in my practice, I have used these and other cartoons to help clients quickly grasp key concepts that may not be otherwise obvious to them.

Since my book came out a couple of months ago, it has been selling at a good clip. However, I haven't been able to tell whether clients or therapists were buying it, or both. I get emails from time to time from colleagues, so I know that they are buying it....but how about the clients?

Well, I've had some recent feedback that really delights me. From my clients and from people I have never met, I've heard comments like these...

"I'm finally getting it about how the ego states are in the body with me."

"So that criticism from Dad I hear is really from a part of me that is just like Dad!"

and

"the pictures are really helping (a part's name), and I'm telling her that it's over, it's not happening now, and he (the perpetrator) is dead."

In my own practice, I keep a copy near my chair so I can open up quickly to the pictures that illustrate really important points. I use pages 84 and 88, I think, nearly every day. And the perpetrator introject sequence. And the sequence about why we fractionate EMDR to avoid flooding.

So that's why I created the book, and that's how it is being used. I'm happy and grateful that this has come to pass. It was part of why I was put on the planet, I do believe.

Somatic Workshop Seattle

I gave a workshop in Seattle last Sunday to a group of accomplished EMDR clinicians to help them learn a few basic somatic interventions. Traditional somatic coursework takes about two years of quarterly long weekends. Clearly I did not attempt to duplicate all that material. However, since EMDR clinicians are already deeply steeped in an understanding of trauma theory and treatment, I knew from my experience that it does not take a full two years for most EMDR clinicians to acquire some basic somatic methods. I skipped all but the most cursor neurobiological theory and research, emphasizing Porges Polyvagal Theory. The rest of the time was spent on seven interventions reviewed in the chapter I wrote with Ulrich Lanius in the Robin Shapiro Solutions II book. And they practiced. It is also understood from an AIP perspective that EMDR is more efficient and cost effective that Somatic work is when compared side to side. EMDR moves faster. However, some clients are not ready for EMDR initially, and somatic therapy can help them increase soma and affect tolerance. Somatic therapy is then a preparation method for EMDR therapy. Somatic interweaves also have a place in EMDR work, especially micromovements to be used when EMDR is looping or to close down certain incomplete sessions. There is more to it, but participants were pleased with the workshop.

Basic Somatics for EMDR Practitioners

Tomorrow I'll be in Seattle teaching a group of accomplished EMDR practitioners about basic somatic techniques. This is equivalent to a Cliffs Notes version of the somatic trainings that usually take several years. Because EMDR practitioners are already deeply versed in a great deal of trauma theory and practice, living and breathing it every day, I think the two-three years isn't always necessary. This workshop provides a handy list of several of the methods most commonly used in somatic work and gives opportunity for practice. This material, including the neurobiological theory that the workshop doesn't have time to include, is also covered in greater depth in the chapter by Sandra Paulsen and Ulrich Lanius in Robin Shapiro's Solutions II book, noted elsewhere on this page.

In keeping with the emphasis on integrative psychology that the Bainbridge Institute for Integrative Psychology values, the workshop will include Native American songs, likely grounding and healing songs, as sung by my colleague at the Institute, Tim Iistowanohpataakiiwa at http://www.youtube.com/user/cedarfjord. This link shows Tim singing a grounding song. Why am I including Native music in this somatic workshop, you may well ask? Well, it is because somatic methods are very sympatico with Native healing methods. To sink into the felt sense of the body in the present moment is essential to Native healing, Native spirituality, and Native being. That's why. And Tim is so very gifted.

Book Signing in Seattle

Well, it was enjoyable to spend Sunday in Seattle, first moseying around Ballard with my tiny poodle, and then attending the book signing at Robin Shapiro's house. Her book and mine are out at the same time, so we both signed and read books. There will be another book signing party in Bainbridge Island in June, for professional colleagues. Contact me for information at sandra@paulsenphd.com for details.

Conference in Japan

At the end of May, I'll be traveling to Kobe, Japan, to present with Dr. Ulrich Lanius, my colleague in Vancouver, B.C. He and I wrote a chapter that just came out last month in the book by Robin Shapiro, MSW, LCSW, called EMDR Solutions II: For Depression, Eating Disorders, Performance, and More.

First I'll present a half day during their regular conference on assessing for dissociation. He'll present on the neurobiology of dissociation, as it relates to the body. Then, at the post-conference advanced trainings, he'll present a day on somatic therapies that help to embody the self, and I'll present a day on a phased approach to treating dissociation using ego state therapy. It will culminate in how to modify the EMDR protocol to treat dissociation. We are honored to be able to present this information which will be helpful in the healing of many people in Japan.

The Book and Blurbs

I created this book to help therapists and clients understand and communicate with each other about trauma, dissociation and its treatment using ego state therapy and EMDR.

I've given workshops for nearly two decades about this subject, and audiences have clamored for me to provide the cartoons to therapist and the public. So here it is! I hope it takes readers to the next steps on their path.

The book blurbs are all visible at www.bainbridgepsychology.com under "Looking Through the Eyes" and click on book blurbs. There are reviews by Jack Watkins, Ph.D., the father of ego state therapy, Robin Shapiro MSW and Carol Forgash, MSW, editors of EMDR books, and Gerald Puk, Ph.D., Senior Trainer for the EMDR Institute.

Welcome!

Welcome to the blog for the Bainbridge Institute for Integrative Psychology! The purpose of this blog is to provide information about the understandings, services, workshops, publications and other resources we offer. The intended participants are not only existing clients of psychotherapy and or spiritual direction, but prospective clients, colleagues and professionals, and the curious public at large. Go to www.bainbridgepsychology.com for more. For information about Sandra's book Looking Through the Eyes of Trauma and Dissociation: An Illustrated Guide for EMDR Therapists and Clients, go to that website. Enjoy!