Ep. 107: Dr. Sandra Paulsen (Part 2)

This episode, "The N.E.S.T. Model: Somatic approaches as essential to the fundamentally embodied nature of complex trauma," is the second part (of four) of a conversation with Dr. Sandra Paulsen, arguably EMDR's most well-known authority on complex dissociative issues. Dr. Paulsen is an active clinician, prolific author, and educator. Her more accessible books are most EMDR clinicians' introduction to treating complex trauma. A "cartooning psychologist," she also has an Etsy store! Dr. Paulsen's work, besides being most EMDR therapists' first step in treating complex trauma, includes dozens of published scientific articles and host of books and book chapters. She has hosted a large number online trainings integrating Ego-State Therapy, attachment theory, and the work of Jaak Panksepp, uniquely having one foot in neuroscience and one foot in more esoteric aspects of treatment. Many trainings are available on www.sfrankelgroup.com. Her most popular works provide accessible training to beginning clinicians, and her reputation as a "cartooning psychologist" comes from these. A more complete bio is available on her website, www.paulsenpsychology.com, where you can also purchase her most popular books. She also is active on social media--and for her cartoons, on Etsy as well! (sandrapaulsenphdart.etsy.com)

Highlights include: -Neurofeedback and similar (more affordable) interventions and equipment are discussed as helpful adjunct for efficient treatment. -Dr. Paulsen mentions new research that may change psychiatrists' general opinion regarding being part of a treatment team with therapists treating complex trauma. -Split-brain studies and hemispheric specialization are discussed as explanatory of "odd" symptoms, and as excellent for client psychoeducation/destigmatization. -Misconceptions and myths surrounding so-called "repressed memories" are addressed, with the concept of highly-dissociated traumatic experience normalized. -Dr. Paulsen describes the automatic dissociation-detecting nature of EMDR as a phenomenon leading to many clinicians seeking further education, such as that in her own trainings and books. Dr. Paulsen's books, endorsed equipment, and art can be found at www.paulsenpsychology.com. Most of her online trainings are located at www.sfrankelgroup.com. In future (as in past) episodes, guests will offer counterpoints to Dr. Paulsen's views, and this video is a dialogue, rather than an endorsement of his perspectives. Likewise, The Dissociative Table does not endorse the views of its hosts, nor do any professional organizations to which the hosts or guests might belong. Join the discussion of this episode and others at the anonymous, free, clinicians-only discussion board by emailing dissociativetable@gmail.com. The music in this episode is taken from the song "I, Cosmonaut," from Cracked Machine's album of the same name. The band has generously donated rights to their music in support of increased global access to effective trauma treatment. https://crackedmachine.bandcamp.com/