Workshop Description:
In this highly informative and engaging workshop, a licensed art therapist trained in IFS and EMDR and experienced in working with Complex Trauma and Dissociative Identities, will review dissociation definitions and trauma treatment. Structural Dissociation, IFS, and Ego State Theory grounded in Herman's tri-phasic model of trauma treatment will be defined. Daily Living Action and Defensive Action System of Structural Dissociation will be covered along with defining Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Dissociation.
Integrative treatment approaches including IFS, EMDR, and creative arts will be explored through lecture and art-making. The presenter has observed the hesitancy many trauma-focused clinicians display when approaching dissociation in clients with complex trauma. Reframing dissociation as a healthy adaptive survival skill rooted in neurobiology will contribute to de-mystifying dissociation and especially the dissociative identity spectrum. Specialized training is needed and this day-long workshop offers a strong foundation. The concept of "parts work" can be intimidating, encompassing diverse treatment models. Trauma treatment that includes appropriate use of creativity offer benefits from the low verbal, sensory somatic, and relational/reparative opportunities found in therapeutic art-making. Several art directives aligning with each stage of Herman's 3 stage model (based on Pierre Janet's early work) will be practiced through experientials and case presentations. Focus will be on regulation, safety, containment, attachment repair, and resiliency. Art directives will include timelines, Color/Line vocabulary, Art Window of Distress Tolerance, somatic body-mapping, containers, Active Imagination with parts in art, resource art, Calm Place, and Past/ Future Self. As graphic art will be observed, be prepared with your practiced self-care skills.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the 3 phases of Judith Herman’s tri-phasic model, describing at least 1 goal for each stage.
2. Describe 3 theoretical approaches demonstrating the adaptive role of dissociation in Developmental Trauma.
3. Identify 4-6 art directives that align with Herman’s tri-phasic model of trauma treatment, including regulation, grounding, and reflective functioning.
4. Identify the 3 roles of parts in Internal Family Systems.
5. Describe 4 ways IFS, EMDR, and creative arts therapies complement each other in parts work as an integrative model.
6. Describe 4 ways somatic body templates address goals in treating Dissociation.