Ep. 106: Dr. Phil Manfield (Part 3)

"A Question of Pain: Grief and catharsis in EMDR, Flash, and psychodynamic approaches," is the third part (of four) of a conversation with Dr. Phil Manfield. Dr. Manfield is now best known as the creator of the Flash Technique, but for decades has been one of the most influential EMDR educators worldwide.

This episode represents the best of what TDT intends to offer, which is a challenging, opinionated, but lighthearted conversation about the role of narrative in treating complex trauma. Highlights include

-The host presents voiced challenges to Dr. Manfield's models of treatment, based on objections that neglect is an *absence* of memories, and that attachment pain must be experienced to be grieved.

-Dr. Manfield narrates his own early experience of attachment-based therapy according to a psychodynamic model, and offers this as a contrast to his approach.

-Criticisms of certain psychodynamic models of complex trauma treatment, in particular a recent attempt to integrate EMDR with Schema Therapy.

-EMDR discussed as a "dissociation detector," altering the careers of therapists who did not previously notice complex trauma as widespread.

-Grieving the narrative as a healing approach, rather than the need to experience catharsis through pain.

-Dr. Francine Shapiro's radical impact on the understanding of trauma and traumatology (AIP model), and the need for a "visceral shift" in healing.

-A discussion of how psychodynamic (and other models) can successfully incorporate Flash simply to save time and pain, without a "mashup" of modalities that requires reconceptualizing one's treatment modality.

In future (as in past) episodes, guests will offer counterpoints to Dr. Manfield'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 host or guest might belong.

Dr. Manfield is the author or editor of five books on psychotherapy, an international EMDRIA-Approved EMDR trainer, and creator of The Flash Technique. A more detailed bio is contained in the first episode of this series. His websites are www.flashtechnique.com, and www.emdrvideo.com.

The music in this episode is taken from the song "Temple of Zaum," from Cracked Machine's album Gates of Keras. The band has generously donated rights to their music in support of increased global access to effective trauma treatment. https://crackedmachine.bandcamp.com