Challenging Defenses: An Introduction to Experiential Dynamic Therapies (EDTS): (246)

Exploring the science behind the complex acronyms

Sue Marriott and Ann Kelley discuss Experiential Dynamic Therapies (EDTs) with experts Margaret Martin and Dr. Deb Pollack. These therapies focus on recognizing and challenging defenses that lead to problems both internally and relationally. Learn the difference between defenses that feel right (Egosyntonic) and those that don’t (Egodystonic) and why it’s important to work against them for change. This episode is a dive into the role of EDTS in individual therapy, and highlights the need for an integrated approach to address underlying trauma, plus much more!

“Turning against defenses is key to creating change.” – Dr. Deborah Pollack

Time Stamps for Challenging Defenses: An Introduction to Experiential Dynamic Therapies (EDTS)

00:00 Introduction to Experiential Dynamic Therapies
04:07 Understanding Defenses and Creating Change
08:19 Turning Against Defenses
13:49 Building Capacity and Accessing Core Feelings
20:05 Working with Resistance and Anxiety
23:49 Exploring Different Models within EDTs
29:22 Understanding and Working with Defenses
36:14 Building Capacity and Regulating Emotions
39:05 Challenging Defenses and Facilitating Character Change
45:04 Integrating Modalities for Comprehensive Healing
48:31 The Role of the Therapist in Addressing Defenses
54:49 Compassionate and Supportive Therapeutic Relationships

About our Guests – Dr. Deborah Pollack & Margaret Martin, LCSW

Dr. Deborah Pollack is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Utica University and a clinical
psychologist in private practice near Syracuse, New York. She also has faculty appointments at SUNY Upstate Medical University and Syracuse University, where she teaches and supervises doctoral students in psychology. Dr. Pollack is active on the board of the International Experiential Dynamic Therapy Association (IEDTA), serving as recording secretary and on several
standing committees. She is the President-elect of the Central New York Psychological Association. Dr. Pollack is a qualitative researcher and most recently has investigated the application of EDT-informed therapy for mothers with postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. She has been studying the EDTs since 2009 and is certified as a Teacher and Supervisor through the IEDTA. She is currently running a core training in ISTDP and she also offers individual supervision in ISTDP for licensed or license-eligible therapists. In her free time, Deb enjoys traveling, sewing, and hiking, especially in the Adirondack
mountains where she is working on hiking all 46 high peaks.

Margaret Martin, LCSW is an individual and couple therapist practicing in Austin, Texas,
where she specializes in complex trauma. She began training with Stan Tatkin,
developer of the PACT model, in 2012. She now coaches PACT level one and two students and provides training for the PACT Institute, and hosts a monthly online discussion group for PACT and PACT-curious therapists. In 2022 Margaret completed the PACT Institute’s inaugural invitation-only certification program and is one of 25 therapists worldwide to receive the designation of PACT-certified therapist. In 2019 she began training in ISTDP and developed a passion for incorporating aspects of ISTDP into her work with couples. With colleague Kathryn Barksdale, Margaret co-developed Trauma Wise Therapy, a framework for working with high-trauma couples. Margaret active on the board of the International Experiential Dynamic Therapy Association (IEDTA) and chairs the IEDTA Diversity Committee. A self-described training junkie, she also trained in Somatic Experiencing, Eye Movement
Desensitization Reprocessing, Emotional Transformation Therapy, Brainspotting, and Accelerated Resolu