The Art of EMDR – Follow up

This is the morning of the 4th day in The Art of EMDR Workshop, and we’ll finish up today. I believe this workshop – the learning and information I am getting from it – is, or will be, an essential part of my development as an EMDR therapist.

There has been very little lecture. Some, just enough. Explanation, handouts on what’s known as “Structural Dissociation” and the “Frasier Table.” Mostly, there have been live demos and working with each other as therapist and client under the guidance and supervision of Kathleen Martin and Roger Solomon. And, that has been great!

So, I’ve done some personal work in the workshop and that feels satisfying. There may be a little more to do this morning but I think it’ll be tying pieces (emotional parts, so to speak) together. I’ve always felt like something was missing in my life, in my own personal therapy, as well as my work with others, and I think that this has brought me closer to what I’ve been needing. And, while I’m certain there is no end to this journey of seeking to be available to myself in a way that is helpful to others, this has opened an important doorway.

I volunteered to do the Frazier Table with Kathleen on the first day, as the group demo subject.  I’m glad I was chosen to do it!  She is a premier person in working with structural dissociation, which means I did my table with one of the best.  She said I will get a copy of the video, so I will be able to see what I did beyond what I can remember.  I would just say that it was very powerful to meet parts of myself – around a campfire – and to begin letting them interact, catch up to 2016, and to see who knew what about whom.  Now that I’ve seen this within myself, I’m certain that I’ll be able to see the EPs (Emotional Parts) in others, which opens up a whole, new therapeutic vista.  From that experience, I can see that we all have emotional parts, the importance of meeting them and helping them get resolution – or, in this case, begin the process – and the role of EMDR in the process.

In working with Marsha, my ‘therapist’ partner on the issue I had chosen, I would say it was, or is bein
g, great!  She is an experienced, very experienced, EMDR Clinician.  She is an EMDR Consultant, so she knows the protocol, knows when to intervene, guide, direct and how to stay out of the way.  Roger and Kathleen were perfect in their support and brief interventions, as well.  I’m very certain that I’ve gotten some resolution with the issue I came in to work on, although one never really knows until it plays itself out in life as it appears, but I’m hopeful.  Also, I was the therapist for her and it was great to be part of her process, as well.

Specifically, what I’ve learned is:

  1.  I need to learn more and more and more about dissociation.  It’s a deep well, but to be aScreen Shot 2016-03-15 at 7.42.59 PM
    serious therapist, and to be competent in working with many people, one needs to know dissociation.  Of that, I’m convinced.  Memo to self:  Read “The Haunted Self.”
  2. The importance of the Future Template and how it helps generalize resolution of memories from the past into current experiences, and furthermore, as life unfolds.
  3. The importance of using eye-movements, when possible.
  4. The difference between ‘parts’ work and ‘memory’ work.
  5. The vital importance of stabilization and resourcing.
  6.  How to ‘see’ attunement in the face of the client,  and how to stay attuned during BLS processing.
  7. Being in and around other EMDR therapists, who are present to learn and to grow is, in and of itself, energizing.
  8. and, that I probably ask too many questions. Hopefully, not too the point of being obnoxious but only my parts will know.

 

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Dr. Amber Quaranta-Leech, LPC-S

Amber holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Regent University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Texas and Oklahoma and holds Supervisor credential for Texas. Amber is an EMDRIA consultant and trainer. She has over a decade of experience in the trauma field in work with uniformed services, domestic violence, childhood trauma and abuse, and recent mass trauma events. Amber provides consultation for EMDRIA certification, for consultants-in-training, and supervision for LPC-Associates. Amber continues to research the benefits of EMDR therapy with a variety of populations. Her goal is to help build strong clinicians who are well versed in trauma interventions to better support their clients. Amber sees a limited number of clients with a focus on trauma work, she is also a Certified Career Counselor and Certified through EAGALA to provide equine-assisted therapy. 

Dr. Jose Carbajal, LCSW

Dr. Jose Carbajal, a U.S. Army veteran, earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work and a master’s in theological studies from Baylor University, and a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. With over 15 years of clinical experience and extensive teaching experience, Jose specializes in trauma, sexual abuse recovery, domestic violence, and substance abuse. His research focuses on trauma interventions, neuroscience, and faith. He is EMDR Certified, an Approved Consultant, and an EMDRIA Approved Trainer, with numerous publications and professional presentations to his name.

Dr. Amanda Martin, LMFT-S, LPC, BCN

Amanda Martin holds a PhD in Family Therapy and is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor, and EMDRIA Approved Consultant. With over 14 years of experience, she specializes in trauma therapy for individuals and families in residential and outpatient settings. Amanda also provides supervision for EMDR certification, EMDR consultants-in-training, and LMFT-Associates. Her mission is to help people find a healthy, joyful, and fulfilling path in life. Her warm, supportive, and interactive counseling style incorporates Symbolic Experiential Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, HeartMath, Animal-Assisted Therapy, Neurofeedback, and Collaborative Problem Solving.

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