We were thrilled that the long-awaited workshop of the Children & Adolescents EMDR Training Course at last took place at the Golden Palace Serenada Hotel, Beirut Lebanon, from October 23 to October 26, 2022. This four-day intensive workshop provided 23 dedicated EMDR Therapists with an opportunity to enhance their skills through a rich blend of instruction and hands-on practice, offering participants 24 EMDRIA continued education credits.
What makes this event even more remarkable is that it marks a pioneering moment in the Arab World, where therapists came together to learn and grow in the field of EMDR therapy, specifically tailored for children and adolescents. The workshop focused on applying EMDR therapy to children and adolescents with PTSD and the effects of negative life experiences. It also addressed interventions to help these young individuals heal from attachment wounds, trauma wounds, and loss wounds.
The training was led by the highly acclaimed EMDR Europe Accredited C&A EMDR Trainer, Mrs. Susan Darker-Smith, from the UK. Alongside her, our trainer Dr. Derek Farrell, also from the UK, served as an accompanying EMDR Trainer. Mrs. Darker-Smith brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to guide therapists on a journey to empower children and adolescents in their healing process.
Facilitating this impactful learning experience were Mr. Johny Moran, an Accredited C&A EMDR Consultant, and Lina Ibrahim, an Approved EMDR Consultant. Their guidance and support enriched the training, ensuring participants gained valuable insights and skills to make a lasting impact in their practice.
During this intensive training program, some of what the participants learned were to:
– Gather a child or adolescent’s “History” without causing undue distress. – Develop an EMDR treatment plan. – Establish an Inner Safe Place, understanding its uniqueness in working with young individuals. – Choose the most suitable target and/or protocol for a child’s specific needs. – Apply the Constant Installation of Present Orientation and Safety (CIPOS) with children. – Adapt the standard protocol to address Different Developmental Stages from ages 2 to 18. – Create and utilize Trauma Narratives that support trauma recovery. – Identify and address Complex Trauma and Dissociation in children and adolescents. – Assist children and teens who have been Groomed or Sexually Exploited. – Modify the EMDR procedure for Neuro-Diverse presentations, including Autism.
The commitment to ongoing professional growth continues beyond the initial workshop. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a 12-hour consultation group session scheduled for February 19 and 20, 2023. This platform will facilitate case presentations and in-depth discussions, allowing therapists to further refine their skills and knowledge.
Additionally, the training’s holistic approach includes practical field application. Participants will be required to provide EMDR therapy to at least 6 beneficiaries during the course. Data will then be collected for research purposes. This data will contribute valuable insights for future research and practice, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based approaches in the field of EMDR therapy.
The Children & Adolescents EMDR Training Course 2022 stands as a testament to the dedication and passion of therapists committed to making a positive difference in the lives of young individuals in the Arab World. It equips them with specialized tools and strategies to address the unique challenges of trauma in children and adolescents, ultimately helping them build brighter and more resilient futures.
This training is the part of the project funded by Terre des Hommes tdh Germany and the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation & Development. This financial support played a pivotal role in making this training accessible and effective, highlighting the commitment of these organizations to the well-being of children and adolescents.
