Healing the wounds of addiction: IFS informed EMDR as an integrated approach to relapse prevention and recovery. (Brown)
Course: Healing the wounds of addiction: IFS informed EMDR as an integrated approach to relapse prevention and recovery.
Instructor: Susan Brown, LCSW
Approved for 3.0 Hours of CE Credit
Fulfills License Requirements
High Resolution Online Streaming Video
Program Description:
This 3-hour intermediate to advanced workshop explores the benefits of integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed procedures and interweaves for the treatment of addictions, both substance and behavioral, within the 8 phases of EMDR therapy. One of the most challenging concerns working with addicted clients is chronic relapsing. This repetitive experience can be deeply demoralizing, triggering hopelessness, self-loathing, and shame.
The goals of this workshop are to explore why and how integrating IFS informed procedures within the EMDR model offers greater clinical benefit than either model alone; to demonstrate the value of establishing new, more compassionate internal connections toward parts burdened with addiction; and to incorporate IFS into reprocessing early traumatic contributors in addition to previous relapses triggered by cravings, overwhelming stress, and at times, unconscious processes. The role of attachment in addictive and compulsive behaviors will also be explored briefly. Some knowledge of IFS is recommended but not required. Slides, videos, and an experiential exercise will help demonstrate how this integration is used to explore the complex nature of treating addiction, relapse, and relapse prevention.
Goals & Objectives:
At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Describe the core tenets of IFS and name 3 reasons why integrating IFS informed parts work within the eight phases of EMDR is recommended for treating complex trauma and addiction rather than either approach alone.
- Name 3 common stages of relapse and utilize parts work within those stages as opportunities to learn more about what parts still need healing, and to strengthen internal connections toward a more comprehensive recovery.
- Utilize this integrated approach to reprocess early trauma and attachment wounds, addiction memories, cravings, and previous relapses/recurrences, to create an internally collaborative relapse prevention plan.
