Integrating the Attachment System and AIP Model for Chronic Health Syndrome

The presentation will provide both the theoretical background and a model of care for the integration of the attachment system and the AIP Model to treat clients with chronic health syndromes including autoimmune disorders and chronic pain conditions. Specific focus will be on: 1) theory and the neurobiology of the attachment system including Polyvagal Theory; 2) advances in neuroscience as it relates to components of perception (exteroception, interoception, and neuroception); 3) how perception and the AIP Model are interrelated and integrated; 4) how maladaptive attachment experiences lead to maladaptive internal subjective neural templates perpetuated by maladaptive memory networks; 5) how these maladaptive internal subjective neural templates underlie and perpetuate chronic health syndromes; and, 6) practical ways to conceptualize this for the therapist and client (both are critical) and to utilize this information through the 8 phases of EMDR to promote the healing of chronic health syndromes (yes, it is possible!).