Episode 21- EMDR, Polyvagal Theory and SSP for Trauma - Panel discussion with EMDR Experts

Welcome everyone to episode 21.
I am so happy to be revisiting the topic of EMDR in today's episode. I last spoke about EMDR in episode number 14 and it is by far the most popular.

So my goal for today is to help listeners, both practitioner and layperson, learn more about the evidence-based EMDR therapy as well as discover how an integrated EMDR/SSP approach may offer an optimal pathway to wellness. 

In today's episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with 3 amazing clinicians, Jill Hosey, Eliza Fernandes, and Laurie Belanger, all  EMDRIA Approved Consultants. Jill, Eliza, and Laurie are part of a Unyte EMDR think tank for developing guidelines about implementing the SSP within the EMDR therapy approach. Other members of the team who were unable to attend include Nicole Black and Marshall Lyles, both also EMDRIA Approved Consultants.

You will gain a deeper knowledge of EMDR therapy in trauma, the Polyvagal Theory connection, and implementation of the SSP acoustic intervention.  Each practitioner shares their passion for supporting their client's journey to wellbeing using an integrated approach of both Safe and Sound Protocol and EMDR therapy.

Before we start a little about my guests-

Jillian Hosey is a Clinical Social Worker and Trauma Therapist who is a founding partner of Healing Therapy Alliance (HTA) and the PsychoSomatic Trauma Initiative in Toronto. She is Course Director, York University, School of Social Work

Laurie M Belanger has been providing services as a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist and is from East Amherst NY.

With her degree in Social Work, Eliza Fernandes has been providing psychotherapy services in Toronto, Canada

Please see below for contact information for each Unyte-EMDR team member.

Some Key Points to listen out for:
What is EMDR therapy- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Current understanding of the role of Bilateral Stimulation- (REM- during sleep; Orienting Response; Parasympathetic system; Working Memory)
EMDR is a memory processing therapy- putting the past in the past
How traumatic memories are stored in the brain
The Adaptive Information processing model
Current symptoms are manifestations of past difficult experiences
EMDR & Polyvagal Theory- PVT provides the bottom-up understanding of how the "body needs to feel safe"
Implementing SSP in the EMDR triphasic approach to trauma
SSP effective in the Preparatory/Stabilization Phase
SSP as a stabilizing resource to help get to the more difficult processing
SSP as a diagnostic tool to help assess "Affect Tolerance"
SSP builds positive affect in preparation for memory processing
SSP during Phase 8 to consolidate gains
SSP Guidelines for EMDR practitioners- set of recommendations and considerations for EMDR therapists

Books and Resources recommendations- EMDR and Somatic Psychology; Neurobiological Foundations for EMDR Practice-(listen in for more great resources!)

I hope everyone enjoys this episode. Such a wonderful group.


To contact me the best email is joanne@integratedlistening.com.au (yes, this is a different email, but it is my main working one so easier to monitor)  I love to hear comments or feedback. 
Please join our private FB group Safe and Sound Protocol Podcast- A polyvagal Informed Therapy for new learning opportunities and other information shared.
If you liked this episode it would be a great honor if you could share it with a colleague or friend.

Take care,
remember to breathe low, slow, and smile.

Contact Information:

Jill Hosey,   jillhoseymsw@gmail.com
Laurie Belanger,  lbelangerlcs