Consistent with the EMDR Standard protocol when working with neurodiversity,
treatment is informed by the AIP Model, 8 Phases of EMDR, 3 Prong Past – Present –
Future. Application can require distinct differences in approach, sequencing and target
selection, including ABLS methods with very distinct critical differences as to how we
apply and engage through 8 phases. The presenters will primarily focus on working
with Autism as a continuum within neuro-diverse presentation however, they will also
highlight how the treatment principles apply to adult & younger presentations with
relevance to learning disabilities and range of neuro-diverse client presentations.

ONLINE WORKSHOP 

COST: €125
DATE: SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2024
TIME: 09:00h to16:00h (Dublin – London time)
PRESENTERS: Johnny Moran & Clare Smith
6 CPD CREDITS AWARDED BY EMDR ALL-IRELAND ASSOCIATION

For more information: www.openmindscentre.ie
Contact Email: [email protected]
Payment Link: https://buy.stripe.com/eVa7tf8rPbf5f0QdQS

1. Understanding of origins and prevalence of neurodiversity, in particular Autism
(ASD) both in your clinic and in the wider population, including comorbid
presentations and how this might impact / inform your EMDR practice.
2. Recognise the features of neurodiversity in particular ASD features, how they
might manifest in your clinic and how they might be harnessed so as to
enhance and develop your clients’ experiences of EMDR therapy.
3. Appreciate the sensory aspects of Autism. How sensory differences can lead
to both fight / flight and dissociative responses, with consideration of their
impact on your client’s window of tolerance and your EMDR management
strategies.
4. Understand the inter-relationships between interoception, alexithymia and
masking and the links between them and depersonalisation / somatic
dissociation, with ideas for ways of working to bring previously inaccessible
body sensations into EMDR reprocessing and thence your clients’ lived
experiences.
5. Working with avoidance, including avoidance of body sensations /
interoceptive phobia in EMDR therapy.
6. Use alternative sensory aspects of memories in EMDR phases 3 and 4, when
visual images are unavailable due to Aphantasia.
7. Recognise the similarities between aspects of complex PTSD and in particular
ASD, how developmental trauma (trauma during the attachment phase of
development) can lead to neuro-developmental features such as those found
in Autism and ADHD, with consideration of how this can result in diagnostic
overshadowing and difficulties in deciding when trauma treatment is complete.
8. Reframe the unique presentation characteristics and parameters of
neurodiversity presentations beyond symptom expression, to refresh your AIP
case conceptualisation to inform your EMDR treatment.
9. Consider the ways Neurodiversity and Autism may impact AIP case
conceptualisation, including the impacts of over diagnosis, labelling, moral
injury including iatrogenic traumas and those arising from inadequate,
inappropriate therapy.
10. Through understanding of the aims within each of the 8 phases of the standard
EMDR protocol and the challenges each individual clients’ differences bring,
justify the small adaptations needed to provide a bespoke service to each of
your clients whilst maintaining fidelity to the standard protocol.