Ethics and Standards of Care for EMDR and Dissociation

Ethics and Standards of Care for EMDR and Dissociation

6 CEs, 6 EMDRIA CEs

Program Description:

This course begins by identifying and defining concepts integral to the discussion of ethics in the context of EMDR therapy and treatment of dissociation, then highlight the different dimensions and layers of competence and proficiency in EMDR therapy practice. Reviewing the established standards of care for treating complex trauma and dissociation sets the frame both more broadly and within EMDR therapy. We will then cross-reference the client safety considerations set forth in the Shapiro EMDR therapy text and guidelines for treating complex trauma and dissociative disorders, respectively. Common threads are identified, connecting select professional codes of ethics from different regions of the world with best practices previously discussed. ‘Prototypical’ examples highlight the risks of both over- and under-compensating for a lack of knowledge, competence, and proficiency in treating dissociation using EMDR therapy methods. We will conclude by distilling the specific clinical-ethical challenges observed in the case vignettes and recommend potential remedies for consideration to enhance EMDR therapy practice, consultation, and training moving forward.

Learning Objectives:

  • Name the essential standards of care informing the practice of EMDR therapy to treat complex trauma and dissociation
  • Define and describe the terms fidelity, competency, and proficiency as they relate to practice of EMDR therapy
  • Identify at least three indicators of ethical EMDR therapy practice in treating dissociation
  • List at least three possible remedies to ethical challenges faced in the use of EMDR therapy to treat dissociation
  • Explain the difference between a proficiency and a practice specialty
  • Describe at least three important considerations related to treatment boundaries
  • Describe and compare four distinct schools of thought in the use of EMDR to treat dissociation

Continuing education: Review the information regarding continuing education here. It is important to check with your state board to verify your requirements. Continuing education hours are not available for consultation time, reading requirements, or prerequisites.

Instructors: Jennifer Madere, MA and Michael Coy MA, LCSW, LICSW

Upcoming Trainings

Special Needs: Requests for special accommodations should be directed to our training coordinator at trainings@ticti.org.

All trainings listed on this website are open to the public. To schedule a closed training for your group or agency, contact the Trauma Institute & Child Trauma Institute. Individuals may also organize trainings and receive a discount on tuition.

Cancellations Policy: Our training cancellations policy can be found here.

Grievance Policy: Our training grievance policy can be found here.

Questions: If you have any questions about this training, please contact our trainings department at trainings@ticti.org.

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