2012 Spring Conference

Program Descriptions

9:15am Morning Plenary:

Healing the Wounds of Attachment
Deany Laliotis LICSW
This workshop will deepen the EMDR clinician's understanding of how to work with attachment difficulties incorporating the precepts of the Adaptive Information Processing Model of EMDR. Based on AIP theory, when information is not moving or isn't available, it is usually stuck along the lines of Responsibility, Safety or Power.

1:45-5pm Afternoon Workshops:

Integrating EMDR into a Long Term
Psychodynamic Treatment Model Gina Colleli, LCSW
This workshop will cover specific strategies for incorporating EMDR into long term psychodynamic treatment. The workshop will cover target selection, pacing of treatment, using EMDR to work with transference and defenses and processing characterological symptoms to resolution. The workshop will specifically address to how to integrate the methods for successful goal-oriented treatment.

Attachment at the Societal Level:
Reprocessing Internalized Stigma and Oppression
Diane DesPlantes LCSW and Mark Nickerson LICSW
"Insecure attachment" also occurs on the societal level. All people experience another profound attachment challenge as they seek to integrate into the larger society. Many of our clients have been marginalized due to socio-economic background, race/ethnicity, gender, physical abilities and appearance, mental health needs and more. The AIP model successfully predicts that the impact of internalized oppression can be identified and dismantled by building inner resources and reprocessing specific memories associated with experiencing discrimination. This workshop will illuminate the often underlying importance of cultural context and social identity in treatment. EMDR-based strategies for undoing internalized stigma and oppression will be shared through clinical examples, videotaped sessions and feedback from the reports of over 60 therapists who explored these issues in training practica.

Keeping it in the Zone: Assessment
and Techniques for Optimal Processing
Barry Litt LMFT
This workshop will describe three major constructs that aid in effective processing. The "Domains of Self" is a model for rapid assessment. The "Zone of Optimal Arousal" is a model by which therapists can identify what, if any, interweaves will be needed in phase 4. "Somatic Interweaves" are one example of a useful technique for optimizing processing.

1:45-3:15pm 90-Minute Workshop Choices:

Attachment Pathology from the AIP Perspective: Learning through Human Sculpture
George Abbott Ph.D.
This workshop will explore the nature of insecure attachment and relevant EMDR procedures using bilateral stimulation from the perspective of the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model. The workshop will be presented in "sculpture" format involving group non-verbal behavioral enactment of information storage dynamics and reparations, as understood through the AIP Model, for a unique implicit learning experience.

The Use of Cognitive Interweaves in EMDR Treatment
Nancy Abel LCSW LADC and John O'Brien Ph.D.
One of the clinician's primary tasks in EMDR treatment is to stay out of the way of the client's processing. However, there are times when clients need a bit of assistance from the therapist. Cognitive interweave is a complicated and sometimes feared technique in EMDR treatment. This workshop will provide an overview of how and when to use this technique.

Healing Young Hearts with EMDR: Working with Children
Megan Kirby Psy D. and Kenneth Frohock LMHC
This workshop will focus on the experience of early trauma, multiple losses and the impact on attachment. We will address common belief systems found in children who have experienced traumatic abuse, neglect and loss. We will review our approach to working with children who experienced preverbal trauma, identifying their negative beliefs, and discuss how doing EMDR with children may be different from adult work. We will talk about the use of EMDR in facilitating transitions following major childhood events including death of a loved one, loss of a primary caretaker and creating corrective experiences after having been harmed. We will also discuss ways to utilize EMDR in helping children prepare for future transitions that may be predictably difficult for them.

3:30-5pm 90-Minute Workshop Choices:

Physio-Logical Psychotherapy: The Integration of Heart Rate Variability into EMDR D. Eric Chamberlin MD
Heart Rate Variability Feedback is a powerful clinical tool for emotional regulation that can be readily incorporated into EMDR. This workshop will introduce participants to the biological, psychological and clinical effects of HRV relevant to EMDR psychotherapy including its integration into the specific phases of the EMDR protocol. Powerpoint display, video case vignettes and demonstration (time permitting).

When There Are No Words: Effectively Treating Pre-Verbal Trauma and Neglect
Wendy Ball LMHC and Farnsworth Lobenstine LICSW
Pre-verbal traumatic memory is the most difficult to access. Yet it comprises a significant portion of maladaptively stored material. Participants will learn two effective EMDR protocols originally developed by Katie O'Shea and elaborated with Sandra Paulsen that can efficiently clear these memories.

Legacy Informed EMDR: Accessing & Desensitizing Transgenerational and Cultural Sources
Natalie Robinson LICSW
This workshop explores use of EMDR to access and reprocess embedded ancestral, familial and cultural material. This work includes both detoxifying negatives and enhancing strengths emerging from a client's distant but powerful past sources. Learn how and when EMDR can facilitate the development of a healthy and coherent life story, which neuroscientist Daniel Siegel identifies as a hallmark of emotional well-being and secure attachment.

Presenter Bios

George Abbott, PhD is on the clinical faculty of
the EMDR Institute, an approved-EMDR trainer for the Humanitarian Assistance Programs, and an EMDRIA approved Consultant. He consults to individuals and groups locally, and via Skype and phone. He has presented workshops at various regional events and at two EMDRIA Conferences. He is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Northampton, MA and a senior clinician at the Holyoke Medical Center Outpatient Service. He founded and has chaired the Association for the Advancement of Skill in Clinical Hypnosis for the past 20 years.

Nancy Abel, LCSW, LADC is an experienced mental health and addictions clinician with over 30 years of clinical experience. She has been the Coordinator of Family Services at Day One in Portland, ME, the Director of Substance Abuse Services at Shoreline Community Mental Health Services in Brunswick, ME and taught for over 14 years at the University of Southern Maine as well as in the Addictions Program at the University of New England. She is currently in private practice in South Portland, ME. Nancy is an EMDRIA Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant.

Wendy Ball, LMHC is a Certified EMDR therapist and a Certified Hakomi therapist. In private practice for 17 years in Canada, she moved to New York in 1999. After 10 years as a counselor in a Domestic Violence Program, she is again in private practice. She specializes in Complex PTSD.

Eric Chamberlin, MD is a Neuro-psychiatrist practicing Mind-Body Medicine in Glastonbury Connecticut. He has served on the faculty of Dartmouth and Harvard Medical Schools, and has practiced EMDR since 2001. Most recently his work has focused on the integration of Heart Rate Variability Feedback in Psychotherapy.

Gina Colelli, LCSW has been integrating EMDR in her work with adults who were abused and neglected as children since 1993. Gina was the NYC HAP coordinator after 9/11 and the clinical coordinator in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Gina's long distance video course, EMDR Refresher and Advanced Specialty workshop reviews the eight phases of EMDR and its use with special situations and populations.

Diane DesPlantes, LCSW is Principal Consultant and President of S.U.R.G.E. Inc. She received an undergraduate degree in sociology and a certificate in education from Fordham University. She received her graduate degree from Hunter College Graduate School of Social Work, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She received her certification in Family Therapy from the Multicultural Family Institute. She is a Master Trainer and the lead curriculum designer on Cultural Competency for The New Jersey Department of Children and Families. She has specialized in cultural competency since 1996 and has consulted independently for several years. She has served as a keynote speaker and workshop presenter at numerous state conferences. For the past three years, she has worked with a diverse population using EMDR. As a member of EMDRIA, she is the Chairperson for the SIG, Public Practice and Diversity. She also sits on the Membership Committee of EMDRIA.

Natalie S. Robinson, LICSW is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and has been an EMDR Trainer at Simmons and BU Schools of Social Work. Legacy EMDR integrates her dual clinical passions and expertise in EMDR and Family Therapy. She presented an earlier version at the EMDRIA Annual Conferences in 2000 and 2001.

Kenneth Frohock, LMHC is a clinician at The Attachment Institute of New England. He has a Masters Degree and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in counseling. He has extensive clinical experience in the fields of domestic violence and addictions. He is Level II certified in EMDR and is a Regional Manager for the Adoption Journeys Program, offering support to adoptive families at risk for disruption. He has been a counselor since 1988 and is an adoptive dad to three children.

Megan (Peg) Kirby, PsyD is a clinician at The Attachment Institute of New England. She holds a doctorate from the MA School of Professional Psychology. She is a licensed clinical psychologist. She has experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer, a social worker, supervisor, and administrator at DCF, a professor in a teaching hospital and a psychologist and supervisor in both public and private settings. She has specialized in attachment therapy since 1995. She is Level II certified in EMDR, and the adoptive mom of four children.

Deany Laliotis, LICSW is a trainer, clinical consultant, and practitioner of EMDR, specializing in the treatment of traumatic stress disorders and attachment issues. She's been on the faculty of EMDR Institute, Inc. since 1993, and is currently the co-director of EMDR of Greater Washington. She has authored a chapter on EMDR in Psychotherapist Revealed: Therapists Speak about Self-Disclosure in Psychotherapy, as well as co-authoring an article with Dr. Francine Shapiro titled, "EMDR and the Adaptive Information Processing Model: Integrative Treatment and Case Conceptualization," in the Journal of Clinical Social Work. Deany is currently in private practice in Washington, DC.

Barry Litt, LMFT is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, an EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and a member and frequent presenter for the ISST-D. He has authored three chapters in as many books on the integration of EMDR, and has presented numerous workshops at EMDR conferences and two-day workshops around the country.

Farnsworth Lobenstine, LICSW is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and an EMDR Institute and HAP Facilitator. Trained in EMDR in 1999, he has worked in community mental health and in private practice. He teaches a Seminar on Integrating Ego State Therapy with EMDR and has EMDR consultees from 7 states.

Mark Nickerson, LICSW has conducted an individual and family psychotherapy practice in Amherst, MA for 25 years and is an EMDRIA approved consultant, HAP facilitator, and the Regional Coordinator for Western MA EMDRIA. In 1985, he co-founded the Men's Resource Center of Western MA which has implemented violence intervention groups and, as Director of Hampshire Court's Parent Education, he has designed and facilitated innovative programs to reduce conflict between separated parents. Mark has presented at EMDRIA conferences locally, nationally, and internationally and has taught and consulted widely on issues of trauma, violence, family conflict, and issues of social oppression.

John O'Brien, PhD received his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Michigan State University. He was previously a high school guidance counselor and worked at Spring Harbor Counseling in their Partial Hospital and Outpatient Services. John is currently in full time private practice in Portland, ME specializing in substance abuse, grief, trauma and gay/lesbian issues. In addition, he teaches courses at the University of Maine at Augusta in psychology and addictions. He is the Past President of the Maine Psychological Association. John is an EMDRIA Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant.