Re: Dissociate protocol?

Yes, I was speaking in code. When clients are fully DID, there is a necessary protocol to ensure safe EMDR, else the processing may loop at best, or incur serious consequences including suicidal impulses. I published this protocol in 1995 in the journal Dissociation. The article is available on my website, www.paulsenconsulting.com, under the heading Article Portfolio, "Articles for Professionals".

When clients are not fully DID, but either DDNOS or just at odds with themself due to inner conflict, the same protocol, roughly, works well. It's basically an ego state therapy approach, in which one engages the various parts of the self that aren't on speaking terms, or are torn by inner conflict, in dialogue. That dialogue is integrative by itself, but especially so when combined with EMDR.

In a non DID individual, looped EMDRs are often a sign that a part of the self that is "disowned" or held at arms length from the conscious mind needs to come into awareness for the processing to proceed.

In 1992 I started talking about using the Dissociative Table technique (George Fraser's procedure) to facilitate this internal dialogue. Although one can also use auditory "listening in" to internal dialogue, the more visual dissociative table (or conference room technique) enables the client to glance inside into an internal conference room and see aspects of self. There's much more to this rich and fertile approach, and it has absolutely revolutionized therapy, including EMDR therapy, for those using it.

I've gone on long enough for now. Regarding your specific case, this isn't really the right venue for individual case consultation. I have made my recommendations above in general terms and hope it is useful. Else you can seek consultation from one of many individuals at www.emdria.org who are certified consultants. Some of those consultants specialize in this approach. Note: no controlled research; anecdotal evidence. Best wishes, --Sandra

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