A number of patients experience bodily symptoms for which no clear physical cause can be found by medical professionals, and these individuals are at risk of ineffective interventions as well as unnecessary invasive procedures and medications. Such symptoms may include: chronic pain and gastro-intestinal problems, and various neurological symptoms such as muscle weakness, dizziness, and pseudo-seizures. Patients may be diagnosed with syndromes such as Irritable bowel syndrome, TMJ, fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis.
These somatic-related difficulties may be referred to as psycho-physiologic, ‘medically unexplained’ or functional neurological disorders. There is strong evidence to indicate that for some patients the cause is emotional dysregulation related to traumatic experiences. Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) offers effective techniques to diagnose and treat these underlying emotional factors.
ISTDP is an emotion-focused, accelerated form of dynamic psychotherapy with an excellent evidence base. It is is an active approach consisting of a targeted set of powerful and innovative techniques.
This 1-day workshop introduces the techniques used in this approach. Clinical video will demonstrate the treatment in action.
Learning Outcomes
• to understand the theoretical framework of ISTDP as it applies to somatic symptom disorders
• to identify specific interview techniques which can be used to diagnose emotional factors underlying physical symptoms
• to understand the different neuro-physiological unconscious anxiety pathways that impact on physical symptoms
• to understand the way in which unconscious maladaptive defences impact on and create physical symptoms
This seminar is suitable for registered clinicians working in mental health or allied fields. No previous training in ISTDP is required.
This is an in-person, interactive seminar and there will be opportunity for questions and discussion.
Note: Lunch and tea/coffee are included in the fee.
