EMDR and Ego State Therapy with Robin Shapiro

Summary

In this insightful video, psychotherapist Robin Shapiro discusses Ego State Therapy, a method for healing trauma and dissociation by connecting and differentiating neural networks within the brain. She explains its integration with EMDR and somatic therapy, emphasizing the importance for therapists to understand ego states, particularly when working with clients experiencing dissociation. Through practical examples and personal anecdotes, Shapiro illustrates the transformative impact of this therapeutic approach on both clients and practitioners.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Ego state therapy involves working with the neural networks in the brain to differentiate or connect them in helpful ways.
• 🤗 Luna Medina Wolf and Robin Shapiro discuss the integration of ego state therapy with EMDR and somatic therapy for treating dissociation.
• 📚 Robin Shapiro is an author and expert in psychotherapy, known for her user-friendly interventions and humor.
• 👶 Ego state therapy can involve bringing a younger part of oneself into the present to show them a safe and successful life.
• 👩‍⚕️ Every therapist should have training in trauma-focused therapies like EMDR and ego state therapy due to the prevalence of trauma.
• 🏊‍♂️ A case example demonstrates using ego state therapy to help a client who nearly drowned, illustrating the therapy's practical application.
• 🤝 The integration of EMDR, ego state therapy, and somatic therapy can provide a comprehensive approach to healing.
• 👥 Ego state therapy is not limited to trauma specialists; it can be used by any therapist to work with various dissociative conditions.
• 🔄 Shapiro emphasizes the importance of dual awareness in EMDR sessions, which ego state therapy can facilitate, especially in cases of dissociation.
• 📞 The script mentions phone consultations with therapists seeking guidance on handling dissociative ego states during sessions.
• 🌐 The interview concludes with an invitation for community members to engage with the speakers, highlighting the interactive nature of the discussion.

Q & A

What is Ego State Therapy?

Ego State Therapy is a method of differentiating and connecting different neural networks in the brain, which represent various aspects of a person's experiences and learned behaviors, in a purposeful and potentially helpful manner.

How does Ego State Therapy relate to EMDR therapy?

Ego State Therapy can be integrated with EMDR therapy to work with clients who have dissociation. EMDR requires dual attention, and Ego State Therapy can help ensure that the client's 'adult' ego state is present and aware during the session, which is necessary for successful EMDR processing.

Why is it important for therapists to be trained in both Ego State Therapy and EMDR?

Therapists should be trained in both to better address the needs of clients with trauma, as they complement each other in reaching and healing different aspects of a client's experience. EMDR can help process traumatic memories, while Ego State Therapy can help differentiate and integrate various parts of the self.

What is the significance of the 'adult' ego state in the context of trauma therapy?

The 'adult' ego state is crucial in trauma therapy because it represents the part of the client that is aware of the present reality and safety. This awareness is necessary for dual attention in EMDR and helps in grounding the client during therapy sessions.

How can therapists work with clients who have recently experienced a traumatic event?

Therapists can use Ego State Therapy to help clients differentiate their current safe state from the traumatic event. For example, they might guide the client to mentally rescue their past self and reassure them of their current safety.

What is the role of somatic therapy in the integration with Ego State and EMDR therapies?

Somatic therapy can be integrated with Ego State and EMDR therapies to address the body's experience of trauma. It helps in recognizing and processing the physical sensations associated with traumatic memories, enhancing the overall therapeutic process.

How does Ego State Therapy address dissociation in clients?

Ego State Therapy helps clients recognize and communicate with different parts of their ego state that may be dissociated due to trauma. It allows the therapist to work with these parts to promote integration and healing.

What is the difference between Ego State Therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS)?

While both are forms of ego state therapies, IFS has a specific approach focusing on a 'Self' part that oversees other parts, whereas Ego State Therapy may take various forms and does not necessarily emphasize a central 'Self' part.

How can therapists handle unexpected dissociation during a session?

Therapists can use techniques from Ego State Therapy to ground the client and bring back their 'adult' ego state. This might involve asking questions that the adult part would know, such as personal details or professional experiences.

What is the importance of recognizing and working with different ego states in therapy?

Recognizing and working with different ego states is important because it allows therapists to address the specific aspects of a client's experience that may be contributing to their distress. It helps in tailoring the therapeutic approach to the client's unique needs and experiences.

What can therapists expect to learn in Robin Shapiro's training on Ego State Therapy?

In Robin Shapiro's training, therapists can expect to learn how to identify and work with different ego states, including how to apply this approach to basic trauma, couples therapy, personality disorders, and other therapeutic situations.