Organic Intelligence and Exposure Therapy: Implicit Memory Integration Without Flooding

A refinement on exposure protocols is suggested. Current protocols expose a client to explicit traumatic memory cues. Using a client-centered, structured free-association process, content that is symbolically and implicitly related to the explicit process can first arise. Based on nearly 20 years of clinical experience, Steven Hoskinson will demonstrate how the client material that is presented implicitly has a natural protective value. The person can gain capacity (resiliency) with naturally recurring, subtle exposure to activation cycles absent the explicit triggers that might otherwise be over-activating. Over-activation reduces generalizability of learning, which reduces resiliency and an experience of empowerment.

A rationale and protocol for a structured free-association interview is presented. During this interview, symbolic content and motor responses related to trauma become visible. The clinician helps process the arousal cycles, absent explicit—and unnecessarily distressing—content. Resources arise during the free-association interview that represent the earliest naturally surfacing arousal sequences (but with associated positive affect). Processing the specific, initial arousal cycles creates capacity. Later, associated explicit traumatic content is more easily tolerated and integrated.

A phasic approach is described in which prerequisite stabilization is established. The client’s acquisition of stabilization tools—both consciously appropriated and organismic (conditioned)—determine treatment readiness and trajectory. The therapist's recognition of natural development, and trending toward resiliency is the key. This is considered within a framework of mindfulness in which we access our human biology’s self-organizing potential. Implications for the person and personal development of the therapist are discussed.

This web conference is beginning instructional level and designed to help clinicians:

1. Identify motor patterns unconsciously arising and related to trauma;
2. List two keys to assessing sufficiency of resiliency for engaging arousal without significant client distress;
3. Describe four steps for stabilization: the initial conditions for a client to experience trauma-related arousal without evoking explicit traumatic material;
4. Utilize specific mindfulness practices suited especially for stabilization.

If you have any questions or concerns about this web conference, or would like more information, please contact us here.

Event Reviews from Members

Loved this workshop! - Allene Kaplan, MA, LMFT

Continuing Education (CE) Information

Two CE credits will be provided by GoodTherapy.org for attending this web conference in its entirety.

GoodTherapy.org is also an Approved Education Provider by NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals (provider #135463). Of the eight counselor skill groups ascribed to by NAADAC, this course is classified within counseling services.

GoodTherapy.org is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.

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.

GoodTherapy.org, SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0395. 

To receive CE credit hours for an archived event, you will need to complete a survey as well as a 12 or 15-question exam, verifying that you listened to or watched the event in its entirety. Archived CE events generally are considered "homestudy" by licensing boards.

Registration Information

Premium and Pro Membership with GoodTherapy includes access to this web conference at no additional cost, as well as other member benefits such as a profile listing in GoodTherapy's Therapist Directory. Not yet a member? Sign up for a Premium or Pro Membership, here.

Just want CE credits? Sign up for a monthly or annual CE Subscription with GoodTherapy to get unlimited access to our CE Program, including this event, other live CE web conferences, and hundreds of hours of homestudy courses.

Mental health professionals who are not members can attend this live web conference for $30.95 or access the homestudy recording for $15.50. Sign up here to purchase this CE course and earn a CE certificate.

If the event is canceled by GoodTherapy, registrants who purchased the event will be notified and the charge for the event will be refunded

If you have any questions or would like information regarding disability accommodations, please contact us.

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