EMDR 2.0 – new techniques and scientific discoveries

Day 1: Extended Version of EMDR Therapy

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EMDR therapy thrives in an environment conducive to innovation, yet it requires the application of new research findings to enhance its effectiveness. To this end, EMDR 2.0 is a version of EMDR therapy based on the standard EMDR protocol, but incorporating a series of modifications regarding its implementation. These adjustments are based on clinical experience in treating patients with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and on scientific research concerning working memory theory and the impact of working memory load tasks on traumatic memories. More precisely, EMDR 2.0 is based on the premise that if the client is more motivated, if the memory is better activated, and the patient's working memory is more heavily loaded, this positively influences the efficacy and effectiveness of EMDR therapy.

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The aim of this workshop is to gain new inspiration for treating patients suffering from chronic and severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or severe co-occurring psychopathology, who exhibit high levels of anxiety and dissociation, and for whom treatment effects have been limited. During the lecture, new, effective applications will be presented, ranging from method-specific working memory load techniques to other techniques aimed at destabilizing memories. This will be demonstrated using video excerpts from therapy in clinical practice.

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Research-backed concepts will be presented

• The greater the working memory load, the stronger the desensitization effects,
• a higher level of arousal has a stronger desensitization effect
• Modality-specific taxation can provide an additional effect
• Unexpected ('surprising') intervention techniques can interrupt the memory reconsolidation process

Learn a range of working memory taxing tasks, including:

• very rapid eye movements with varied patterns (V),
• spelling tasks (V/A),
• pronouncing words aloud (A),
• shock effects (V/A),
• tapping complex rhythms (K),
• V-steps (K)

Day 2: Effective EMDR techniques used in EMDR therapy: EMD bomb, Flash 1.0, Flashforward and Mental Video Check, the 'blind to therapist' technique, and titration techniques

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In this workshop, Suzy Matthijssen will explain how therapists can utilize special EMDR 2.0 techniques to treat patients suffering from various mental disorders, including Complex PTSD. She will demonstrate how to address entrenched avoidance patterns in patients who experience too much fear and exhibit too strong a tendency to avoid starting trauma-focused therapy. Through extensive – and step-by-step – demonstrations, the presenters will illustrate the application of these EMDR 2.0-compliant techniques (i.e., involving deliberate working memory taxation), as well as various titration techniques designed to help patients manage the affect associated with EMDR procedures, thereby assisting them in continuing effective processing. For those unfamiliar with EMDR 2.0, a brief explanation of the fundamental aspects of version 2.0 will be provided.

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Additionally, during the workshops, the application of the Flashforward technique, which addresses anticipatory anxiety, will be discussed with examples. The effectiveness and versatility of the Flashforward technique have been strongly scientifically validated. During the workshops, you will learn how to apply the Flashforward technique in conjunction with Mental Video Check, another technique essential in treating anxiety disorders with EMDR therapy. You will also learn how to use the Flashforward technique when working with dissociative patients, such as those with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) or borderline personality disorder traits. All techniques can be applied in both in-person and virtual therapy, and detailed instructions for each will be discussed. The EMD bomb, FLASH 1.0 techniques, and the 'blind to therapist' procedure will also be explained and demonstrated, along with patient videos. Finally, you will also learn titration techniques to help keep the patient within their window of tolerance.