EMDR On-The-Spot: From Dementia and Beyond

Description

Adapting EMDR for Dementia, Neurodiversity, Cognitive Difficulties, Crisis Presentations and Vulnerable Populations

Presented by Dr Jonathan Hutchins & Dr Khyati Rawal

Many clients seen within mental health, neuropsychology, dementia, crisis, inpatient, and community settings struggle to engage with traditional psychotherapy models due to cognitive, attentional, communication, or executive functioning difficulties. Standard EMDR protocols can require adaptation to ensure accessibility whilst remaining firmly grounded within the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model.

The On-The-Spot EMDR Method emerged from clinical work with people living with dementia and has since evolved into a practical and flexible approach that can be used across a wide range of clinical settings. Rather than focusing solely on historical traumatic memories, the approach allows clinicians to target the immediate source of emotional distress—the issue that is dominating the person's experience in the present moment.

This innovative workshop introduces participants to the theory, development, and practical application of the On-The-Spot EMDR Method. Through clinical examples, case discussions, demonstrations, and reflective learning, attendees will develop confidence in adapting EMDR for individuals who may otherwise struggle to access trauma-focused therapy.

The workshop will explore applications within dementia services, neuropsychology, neurodiversity, acquired brain injury, crisis services, inpatient settings, community mental health teams, older adult services, and work with carers and emotionally overwhelmed presentations.

Workshop Aims

This workshop aims to:

Introduce the theoretical and clinical foundations of the On-The-Spot EMDR Method and its origins within dementia care and emotionally overwhelmed presentations.

Explore how EMDR can be adapted for clients with cognitive, attentional, communication, or executive functioning difficulties.

Demonstrate practical applications of immediate, present-focused EMDR interventions targeting current emotionally activating situations.

Increase clinician confidence in flexibly adapting EMDR whilst remaining grounded within the AIP model.

Examine how brief and immediate EMDR interventions may improve accessibility and engagement for individuals who may struggle with traditional therapy formats.

Explore broader applications of the approach across a variety of clinical settings.

Promote reflective, ethical, and person-centred adaptation of EMDR for complex and vulnerable populations.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the workshop participants will be able to:

1. Understand the Foundations of the Method

Describe the origins and rationale of the On-The-Spot EMDR Method.

Explain its relationship to the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model.

Understand how the approach developed from clinical work within dementia services and emotionally overwhelmed presentations.

2. Identify Appropriate Clinical Applications

Recognise clinical indications for present-focused and immediate EMDR interventions.

Identify situations where adaptations may be helpful and when alternative approaches may be more appropriate.

Consider contraindications, risk factors, and clinical decision-making processes.

3. Adapt EMDR for Dementia and Cognitive Difficulties

Explain how the method has been adapted within dementia care settings.

Apply adaptations when working with emotional distress, confusion, carers, and immediate dysregulation.

Understand how cognitive changes can influence EMDR delivery and processing.

4. Adapt EMDR for Diverse Clinical Populations

Apply practical EMDR adaptations for clients experiencing:

Cognitive impairment

Neurodivergence

Reduced working memory capacity

Communication difficulties

Acquired brain injury

Acute emotional overwhelm

Severe emotional distress

5. Deliver Present-Focused EMDR Interventions

Demonstrate an understanding of how to target current distress rapidly and safely.

Utilise the "dominating issue of the week" framework.

Apply practical techniques for immediate emotional processing and regulation.

6. Enhance Clinical Flexibility and Accessibility

Recognise the importance of pacing, scaffolding, simplicity, and attunement when working with vulnerable populations.

Adapt EMDR procedures without losing sight of core EMDR principles.

Increase engagement and accessibility for clients who may struggle with traditional therapy models.

7. Evaluate Ethical and Safety Considerations

Reflect on ethical, relational, and safety considerations when adapting EMDR.

Consider the implications of using EMDR outside traditional outpatient settings.

Develop confidence in making clinically informed adaptation decisions.

8. Promote Inclusive and Accessible Trauma Therapy

Reflect on how the On-The-Spot EMDR Method may reduce barriers to accessing trauma therapy.

Consider applications across diverse populations and service settings.

Explore how adapted EMDR approaches can support equity, inclusion, and person-centred care.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is suitable for:

Those who have attended a EMDR Europe Accredited Part 1 basic training and those who have completed the full training.

EMDR Therapists

EMDR Consultants and Supervisors

Why Attend?

✔ Learn a practical and innovative adaptation of EMDR developed from real-world clinical practice.

✔ Gain skills that can be immediately applied within dementia, neuropsychology, crisis, inpatient, and community services.

✔ Increase confidence when working with clients who present with cognitive, attentional, communication, or emotional regulation difficulties.

✔ Explore how EMDR can be delivered in a more accessible, flexible, and inclusive way.

✔ Develop a deeper understanding of adapting EMDR whilst maintaining fidelity to the AIP model.

Join Dr Jonathan Hutchins and Dr Khyati Rawal for an engaging and clinically focused workshop exploring how EMDR can be adapted to meet the needs of clients who may otherwise struggle to access trauma-focused therapy.

EMDR On-The-Spot: From Dementia and Beyond – Expanding Access, Enhancing Inclusion, and Bringing EMDR to the Moment of Need.

Dr Jonathan Hutchins

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EMDR On-The-Spot: From Dementia and Beyond – Expanding Access, Enhancing Inclusion, and Bringing EMDR to the Moment of Need.

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