Internal Family Systems Informed Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Course overview

Course Description: This course is based on material published in the International Body Psychotherapy Journal and is available as an open-access article. Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is a diagnostic entity included in the International Classifications of Diseases, 11th revision (ICD-11). It denotes a severe form of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is the result of prolonged and repeated trauma. C-PTSD is associated with a broad spectrum of psychopatho- logical symptoms and transcends the typical diagnostic criteria for PTSD. C-PTSD is conceptualized as including the core elements of PTSD, such as re-experiencing, avoidance, and hypervigilance, with the additional symptoms of poor affect regulation, negative self-concept, and difficulties in establishing and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model share a common treatment approach, and their integration has been found to enhance the efficacy of both modalities in the treatment of complex trauma. This article explores IFS-informed EMDR (IFS-EMDR) for the treatment of C-PTSD. IFS-EMDR creates an integration of the contemporary practice of EMDR with the interweave of the IFS model for positive resourcing. This article will firstly provide an exploration of insecure attachment and relational trauma as diathetic factors to the development of C-PTSD. Subsequently, this article will review how trauma and the emergence of structural dissociation impact the development of the self through the lens of IFS. Finally, through the use of a composite case study, this paper will discuss the benefits of integrating IFS strategies and language into EMDR therapy, with particular attention to challenges and limitations. This course on eye movement desensitization is designed for clinical social workers, psychologists, professional counselors, nurses, and substance abuse counselors who do clinical work. This course is appropriate for intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to develop their expertise with eye movement desensitization. The course material includes a literature review of interventions and research. It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require continuing clinical education courses for license renewal. The course is based on a journal article that includes research. It contains statistical analysis and data that some clinicians enjoy reading and others do not. A significant benefit of reading peer reviewed research-based articles for continuing education is that they provide practitioners with the latest findings in their field. Authors: O'Shea Brown Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding eye movement desensitization. Specifically, a professional will: Describe the diathesis-stress model perspective of posttraumatic stress disorder. Recognize components and benefits of EMDR therapy in the context of treating posttraumatic stress disorder. Identify the different phases of EMDR therapy. Citation: O'Shea Brown, G. (2020, June 10). Internal Family Systems Informed Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. International Body Psychotherapy Journal. https://www.ibpj.org/issues/articles/Gillian OShea Brown - Internal Family Systems-Informed Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.pdf