Ep. 202: Dr. Sandra Paulsen (Part 3 of 4)

This episode, "The N.E.S.T. Model: Ego-State Therapy approaches for the dissociated 'S' (self)" is the third part (of four) of a conversation with Dr. Sandra Paulsen, arguably EMDR's most well-known authority on complex dissociative issues. In this episode, she speaks about the topic she is most widely known for: the integration of Ego-State Therapy with EMDR. Dr. Paulsen is an active clinician, prolific author, and educator. Her lengthy CV includes dozens of published articles in peer-reviewed journals, and can be found at paulsenpsychology.com. 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:

-The integral connection between Ego-State work and somatic techniques discussed in the last episode

-Accessing traumatic affect and dealing with blocked processing by "interviewing the body"

-The misunderstanding of "ego energy" as a pseudo-spiritual or unscientific concept

-The scarcity of training resources in Ego-State Therapy, and where to find what exists

-The advantages of Ego-State Therapy over other methods of working with dissociative parts of the self

-A discussion of the common criticism that therapists create parts of self by suggestion in attachment-wounded clients

-A defense of working with parts of self based on demonstrable connections to physical intrusions of traumatic affect, and related changes that take place during successful treatment

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 "Song of Artemis," from Cracked Machine's 2024 album Wormwood. The band has generously donated rights to their music in support of increased global access to effective trauma treatment. Stream or download at: https://crackedmachine.bandcamp.com/