Ep. 203: Dr. Sandra Paulsen (Part 4 of 4)

This episode, "The 'T' in N.E.S.T.: Preverbal trauma, narrative, and esoterica," is the fourth 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! (sandrapaulsenphdart.etsy.com) Highlights include: -Somatic ego cathexis: speaking to parts (of the body!)

-Continued discussion of working with perpetrator introjects

-The early trauma protocol for EMDR to address preverbal attachment injury, including before birth (sounds impossible, but supported by neuroscience)

-Repairing early narrative with imaginal techniques and the "felt sense" of secure attachment at the time, as opposed to reparenting interventions that work from the adult mind.

-Dr. Paulsen's strategically-oriented perspective on the role of archetypes and dreams in understanding complex trauma

-Resolving nightmares quickly

-John Watkins' "tuna processing plant" theory of titrating the reprocessing of traumatic memories with ego-state therapy 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 "Eigenstate," 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/