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    Overview

    Focuses upon the advanced practice of EMDR Therapy practice in Aotearoa New Zealand - including treatment of complex psychological presentations.

    Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one of only two therapeutic interventions recommended by the World Health Organisation for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is increasingly used for the treatment of other trauma related disorders. This paper teaches the advanced EMDR skills necessary to treat clients presenting with levels of complexity regularly seen in clinical practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. Graduates of this programme will be recognised as having advanced EMDR therapy skills by employers such as Te Whatu Ora and Corrections and contractors such as ACC.

    About this paper

    Paper title Advanced Clinical Practice in EMDR Therapy
    Subject Psychological Medicine
    EFTS 0.2500
    Points 30 points
    Teaching period Full Year (Distance learning)
    Delivery mode The Distance Learning offering of this paper is a combination of remote and in-person teaching
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $2,867.00
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    PSME 455
    Notes
    Students applying for this paper will already have a mental health qualification and will have successfully completed PSME 455. Applicants who have completed EMDR Therapy Basic Training in New Zealand are able to apply directly for entry to PSME 456 without completing PSME 455. Those applicants will need to demonstrate competency in the use of EMDR Therapy by submitting a written Case Conceptualisation using the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model and a videotaped interview of the use of the Standard EMDR Therapy protocol. Guidelines will be made available to applicants. All students will be required to have (1) full registration with a regulatory authority under the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act (or an acceptable full membership of a Professional Association); (2) Four years of experience in clinical practice in one-to-one therapies, within a mental health field; (3) a university qualification in a relevant mental health field of at least a Post Graduate Diploma level; and (4) a current work role in a therapies setting where they have access to suitable clients.
    Eligibility

    Admission to the PSME 456 paper will be contingent on passing the first year PSME 455 paper.

    Or demonstration of equivalent clinical competency by mental health clinician applicants who have completed Basic Training in EMDR Therapy accredited by the EMDR Association of New Zealand (EMDRNZ). Conditions apply.

    Contact

    emdr.uow@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Convenor: MaryAnn.stevens@otago.ac.nz
    Senior Lecturer: MaryAnn Stevens
    Tutors: Erica Chadwick, Anna Clarkson

    Paper Structure

    This paper covers advanced topics including the use of EMDR therapy for complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) and trauma-related presentations linked to depression, dissociation, panic disorder, addictions, phobias, chronic pain and attachment trauma.

    Students completing this Postgraduate Certificate will attain skills for the use of EMDR therapy with clients across the lifespan from 2 years old to advanced old age.

    Teaching Arrangements

    Our PSME 456 Advanced Clinical Practice in EMDR Therapy paper, includes 10 x 3hr online lectures, two block courses of 2 ½ days each (run at the Wellington campus), 10hrs of group supervision sessions and the online viva exam.

    Attendance at block days is compulsory. A cyclical teaching approach is used with theory informing practice and practice informing theory.

    It is taught through flexible distance learning. The interactive lectures are recorded and can be watched repeatedly. Group supervision is an integral component of the course. It is held after each block course to allow skills learned to be reinforced in the supervision environment.

    Teaching Method: Mixed online Lectures and two 2 ½ day in person block courses in Wellington. Attendance at all online lectures is compulsory.

    Textbooks

    EMDR Toolbox: Theory and Treatment of Complex PTSD and Dissociation: 2nd Edition. James (Jim) Knipe. 2018.

    Dolores Mosquera: Working with Voices and Dissociative Parts, A trauma informed approach. 2019.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised

    Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete the paper will:

    • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the interaction between trauma, resilience and adversity as it relates to presentations secondary to pervasive and multiple traumatic experiences in childhood.
    • Apply effective, manualised EMDR therapy to individuals suffering from complex presentations of which there is a traumatic origin.
    Assessment details

    Over the course of the academic year, this paper consists of four assignments (2 written and 2 video) and two supervision assessments. Plus the final viva voce which is held end of October/early November. Dates to be confirmed.

    Timetable

    Full Year

    Location
    Wellington
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught through Distance Learning
    Learning management system
    HSmoodle
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