In many trauma-focused modalities, including EMDR therapy, a great deal of fear still abounds on working with various manifestations of dissociation. This course seeks to debunk the myths and provide a practical and sensitive orientation to how the dissociative mind works. Participants are challenged to expand their internal knowledge of conceptualizing and healing dissociation within a trauma-focused lens for clinical practice. In this highly interactive workshop, participants are given a primer on working with grounding skills in stabilization and preparation phases of trauma work. Special attention is given to working with expressive arts and mindfulness-focused strategies.

Generally defined as the use of God or religion as tools to gain power and control by the abuser, spiritual abuse is one of the most overlooked forms of abuse in clinical settings. However, the willingness to address it will give clinicians added insight into many of their clients and how to more effectively and holistically address treatment. Spiritual abuse is not just relevant for those who have been members of cults---it is a very real condition that often occurs in individuals who have been abused, or who struggle with addiction issues. The aim of this presentation is not to single out any one group; rather, to examine common themes of power, control, and shaming/manipulation that exists across religions and spiritual practices.