Healing Confessionals

Elyse Harper

A behind the scenes look at healers as well as the art and science of healing.

  1. 2022-04-15

    Episode #19: EMDR Therapy and Somatic Psychology for Chronic Pain and Illness with Dr. Arielle Schwartz

    Dr. Arielle Schwartz, PHD is a licensed clinical psychologist, EMDR Therapy consultant, and a certified yoga instructor with a private practice in Boulder, CO. She earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Fielding Graduate University and holds a Master's degree in Somatic Psychology through Naropa University. She is the author of 5 books including: The Complex PTSD Workbook, EMDR Therapy and Somatic Therapy, and The Post Traumatic Growth Guidebook. She is dedicated to offering informational mental health and wellness updates through her writing, public speaking, social media presence, and blog www.drarielleschwartz.com EMDR Workshop Attend virtually: Monday & Tuesday, May 16-17, 2022 9 AM - 4 PM: Registration starting at 8:30 AM In this engaging and informative two day Live Webinar training by Dr. Arielle Schwartz, you will learn a biopsychosocial model of care which takes into account objective physical and biological factors of pain and illness as well as factors that are psychological or psychogenic in origin. Within this training, you will develop an understanding of the polyvagal theory as related to trauma recovery. A biopsychosocial approach assists clients to increase their sense of control, self-efficacy, and self-regulation regarding the intensity and duration of disturbing physical symptoms. TRAINING OBJECTIVES You will learn tools to address client experiences related to medical mismanagement, invasive medical procedures, or the lack of control that commonly arises with chronic pain and illness. Treating somatic disorders and illness can be challenging; especially when the etymology lies in complex, developmental trauma. Therefore, you will be guided to assess for dissociation, lack of affect tolerance, or secondary gains that may block successful resolution of traumatic events. This is an intermediate program for all mental health professionals Recognize that chronic pain involves disturbing somatic components combined with emotional responses and cognitive interpretations. Recount the distinction between stress, chronic stress, and unresolved PTSD in the different ways that they impact health. Describe the polyvagal theory as related to trauma recovery Learn how to assess for dissociation and identify client’s parts or ego states as related to pain and illness Learn resource development installation to help clients develop greater control over pain and illness symptoms Recognize that a high level of adverse childhood experiences contributes to greater health risks in adulthood. Discuss how research has shown the relationship between cortisol levels and the immune system in clients with chronic PTSD. Discuss how somatic symptoms including illnesses and chronic pain can be used as potential targets in EMDR Therapy. Recall that when targeting a body sensation, you can use a floatback/affect bridge or not use a floatback/affect bridge in the assessment phase for chronic pain Apply at least two types of self-care techniques to help clients with chronic pain learn to regulate and manage their pain.

    16 min
  2. Episode #18: Healing the Hidden Wounds with Sheila Russell, LISW, CADC

    2022-02-11

    Episode #18: Healing the Hidden Wounds with Sheila Russell, LISW, CADC

    Sheila Russell LISW, is an experienced therapist and speaker who has worked in residential treatment for children’s mental health, family services for those involved with state social services, supervision in residential substance abuse treatment for women and their children as well as an Adjunct Instructor for Grand View University’s Addiction Psychology Course. Ms. Russell launched her private practice, Front Line Therapy in West Des Moines, IA in 2019 joining EMDR & Beyond in West Des Moines Iowa. She is a Certified EMDR Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant with expertise in EMDR and trauma treatment of simple and complex PTSD focusing specifically on First Responders, Military Personnel, Domestic Violence, and Gambling and Substance Abuse Disorders, completing specialty training in these presenting issues. EMDR Workshop Friday, February 18th, 2022 @ 8:30am - 4:00pm CST This EMDR Specialty workshop is designed to assist you in integrating EMDR therapy when working within the Public Safety, First Responder, and Military cultures. Through lecture and demonstration, you will develop skills to apply the AIP Theory to those who respond to high-crisis, dangerous, and emergent situations experienced in the line of duty and/or active duty.   Attend Live: The Training Room at Colony Park 3737 Woodland Ave. Suite 650 West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 *In Person will be confirmed a week prior to event. Attend Virtually: You may also attend this workshop virtually by viewing the live stream after logging into your account on the day(s) of the event.

    14 min
  3. Episode #16: Dealing with Avoidance in EMDR Therapy with Crystal Whitlow, LCSW

    2021-07-17

    Episode #16: Dealing with Avoidance in EMDR Therapy with Crystal Whitlow, LCSW

    Crystal Whitlow, LCSW, is a Certified EMDR Therapist, Approved EMDR Consultant, and EMDR trainer. She maintains a private practice specializing in Complex PTSD since 2008 in South Bend, Indiana. In addition, Crystal consults and teaches the EMDR Therapy training and advanced EMDR workshops throughout the midwest and beyond. This workshop will explore client and clinician avoidance in EMDR therapy. Targeting blocking beliefs and defenses with EMDR will be taught, using Jim Knipe’s EMDR Toolbox procedures. Clinician avoidance will be addressed through practice sessions with partners in the training to deepen the learning of procedures to use with clients. Workshop will begin with focus on importance of attunement and therapeutic relationship. Affect strengthening exercises and healthy containment skills will be taught. Blocking beliefs will be explored using Jim Knipe’s Blocking Beliefs Questionnaire. Detailed descriptions of common defenses used by clients will be discussed. Specific skills and exercises will be taught to help the clinician target blocking beliefs and defenses in their clinical sessions. Practice sessions (live and virtual) will be in pairs as clinicians work on their own avoidance, blocks, and defenses. Facilitator will assist in these sessions to deepen practical application of new skills being taught.. *This podcast is an overview of a workshop Crystal Whitlow LCSW will present at EMDR & Beyond on September 15 & 16, 2021.

    16 min

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A behind the scenes look at healers as well as the art and science of healing.