The Past is Present:
Understanding the Effects of Unprocessed Memories and Using EMDR Therapy In Treatment Presented by Francine Shapiro, PhD

Web Conference Description

Recent research has demonstrated that “life experiences” can cause even more symptoms of PTSD than the “Criterion A” events needed to make a diagnosis. Research over the past twenty years has also indicated that a wide range of clinical problems emerge from unprocessed memories of these diverse life experiences. When these unprocessed memories exist, they can push our clients into negative and destructive ways of seeing, acting, feeling, and believing. Basically, “the past is present”! Guided by the Adaptive Information Processing model, therapists can identify the source of clients' problems and through EMDR therapy activate the client’s own physiologically based mechanism for healing. The client's old memory can then be transformed into a learning experience and a source of resilience.

A group exercise will help participants examine the implications of unprocessed memories in their own lives and the application to clinical practice. Issues of therapist self-care will also be explored. The presentation will review aspects of this integrative psychotherapy approach as it pertains to:

• the nature of the therapeutic relationship,
• preparation of the client,
• identification of the memories underlying various problems,
• the results of direct processing.

EMDR therapy has been empirically supported by more than two-dozen randomized studies and is recognized as an effective treatment for PTSD by numerous organizations worldwide, including the American Psychiatric Association and the Department of Defense. However, unlike other forms of empirically supported trauma treatments, it is not necessary for the client to speak or write about the memory in detail or do homework in order to achieve positive effects. In addition, more than 20 randomized studies have indicated positive effects for the eye movement component, including a rapid decrease in negative emotions. This decrease in negative reactivity can make therapy more tolerable and efficient for complex and severe cases.

Over the past decade, the rapid treatment effects of EMDR have also provided neurophysiological and clinical researchers with a “window into the brain.” In addition to the neurobiological changes, the rapid shifts in cognition, affect, and somatic response reveal consistent patterns of internal associative memory processes. A short treatment session will demonstrate how the “past is present,” negatively influencing people’s perceptions of reality—and how the unprocessed memory connections can be rapidly transformed. The implications and recommendations for implementing robust treatment across the lifespan and the clinical spectrum will be discussed.

This Web Conference is designed to help clinicians:

1) Identify the impact of unprocessed memories underlying clinical complaints;
2) List ways in which etiological events can be identified in clinical practice;
3) Summarize various research findings and applications across the clinical spectrum;
4) Understand EMDR as an integrative psychotherapy approach compatible with all orientations.

If you have any questions about this Web Conference, or would like more information, please contact us here.

About Francine Shapiro, PhD

Francine Shapiro, PhD

Dr. Francine Shapiro is the developer and originator of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. A Senior Research Fellow at the Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto, CA, Dr. Shapiro is also the Director of the EMDR Institute and the founder of the non-profit EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Programs, which provides pro bono training and treatment to underserved populations around the world. In addition, Dr. Shapiro is a recipient of the International Sigmund Freud Award for Psychotherapy of the City of Vienna given in conjunction with the World Council for Psychotherapy, the American Psychological Association Trauma Psychology Division Award for Outstanding Contributions to Practice in Trauma Psychology, as well as the Distinguished Scientific Achievement in Psychology Award, from the California Psychological Association.

Over the years Dr. Shapiro has served as advisor to a wide range of trauma treatment and outreach organizations. National EMDR Associations exist worldwide and cooperate to bring relief to victims of chronic ethno-political violence and natural or manmade disasters regardless of their location. During the past 20 years, clinicians trained in EMDR and dedicated to the alleviation of suffering have treated millions of people.

Dr. Shapiro has presented at psychology conferences and universities throughout the world, and she is the author of numerous books, articles, and chapters about EMDR therapy, including the primary text Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: Basic Principles, Protocols and Procedures. Her latest book, written for both clinicians and the general public, is called Getting Past Your Past: Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR Therapy.

Continuing Education (CE) Information

1.5 CE credits will be provided by GoodTherapy.org for attending this Web Conference in its entirety. GoodTherapy.org is approved as a continuing education provider by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). GoodTherapy.org is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy.org maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

How the Web Conference Works

In short, participants will be able to listen to the event by calling in to our teleconference center. Prior to the event, all participants will be sent an email with instructions on how to login to the teleconference center. This event will include lecture, interaction, and question and answer periods.

Registration Information

This Web Conference is available for free to GoodTherapy.org Members.

This event has already taken place. An audio recording for this event may be available in the Member's Area.