Attachment-Based ISTDP Techniques for Working with Somatic Symptoms

Info

Many patients face physical symptoms without identifiable medical causes, which can include chronic pain, pseudo-seizures, dizziness, and weakness. These issues are often categorized as psycho-physiologic or functional neurological disorders.

Research suggests that emotional dysregulation and past trauma may contribute to these symptoms. Without appropriate strategies for addressing emotional elements, patients may undergo ineffective treatments or unnecessary invasive procedures and medications.

Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) is an emotion-focused psychotherapy that has proven effective for treating somatic symptoms stemming from emotional issues. This methodology delves into unconscious emotional processes that can cause physical problems, including chronic pain and other mind-body challenges. ISTDP employs a proactive set of techniques, backed by research showing that its positive outcomes are enduring, with continued improvement observed post-treatment.

A one-day workshop will cover techniques for addressing emotional factors linked to somatic symptom disorders, featuring clinical video presentations to illustrate the process in real-time.

Learning Outcomes:

• Comprehend the theoretical foundations of ISTDP as relevant to somatic symptom disorders

• Recognize specific interview techniques for diagnosing emotional influences on physical symptoms

• Grasp the various neuro-physiological unconscious anxiety pathways that affect physical manifestations

This seminar is aimed at registered clinicians in mental health and related fields, with no prior ISTDP training needed.

The interactive seminar will be conducted in person, with limited availability to encourage engagement and discussion.

Fees include lunch, along with morning and afternoon coffee and snacks.

Presenter:

Dr. Lewis is a chartered clinical psychologist, accredited by the British Psychological Society and the Health and Care Professions Council in the UK. She is an accomplished speaker at workshops and conferences focused on ISTDP, and is certified as a teacher/supervisor with the IEDTA. Her practice is anchored in the attachment-based ISTDP model from Dr. Robert Neborsky, MD.

Dr. Lewis has a wealth of experience in private practice and the NHS, specializing in clients dealing with anxiety, treatment-resistant depression, and those with physical health issues and functional neurological disorders.