Course Description

Historically thorough and culturally sensitive case conceptualization has been shown to increase the effectiveness of EMDR therapy. Case conceptualization within EMDR therapy incorporates diagnostic theory and clinical intervention to help uncover the roots of traumatic distress and empower the client in their embodiment of state and trait change. While there are modality-specific case conceptualization approaches that can support the process of EMDR therapy, EMDR clinicians are still in need of a case conceptualization approach that integrates neurodevelopmental and attachment theory, somatic psychology, and the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. Somatic Integration and Processing (SIP) is designed to embrace and support the client in their distress, uncover the psychodynamic and somatic origins of their presentation, and empower authentic state and trait change that fosters transformational change. This presentation will introduce participants to the basics of SIP through didactic teaching, a case study, and workshop application.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will be able to describe the significance of case conceptualization in EMDR therapy.
2. Participants will be able to increase conceptualization skills within EMDR therapy through the Somatic Integration and Processing (SIP) case conceptualization model.
3. Participants will be able to apply the Somatic Integration and Processing (SIP) case conceptualization model to their own cases through workshop experience.

Presenter(s)

Jen Savage, LPC

Jen Savage, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri. She is an owner of Beyond Healing where she practices as a clinician, supervisor, consultant, and trainer. Jen is an EMDRIA approved trainer and consultant. She provides specialty trainings in Case Conceptualization, Healing Intensives, Working with Couples and Families, and Treating Complex Trauma. She has more than 15 years of experience in treating the effects of trauma in children, adolescents, and adults. She emphasizes a family system approach and attachment repair in all of her work. She is a host on the Notice That Podcast alongside her colleagues Melissa Benintendi and Bridger Falkenstien.

Bridger Falkenstien, LPC

Bridger Falkenstien, LPC, is an owner of Beyond Healing where he serves as clinician, consultant, and trainer. Bridger is one of four authors and trainers of Somatic Integration and Processing (SIP), a holistic model for case conceptualization. He recently completed his doctorate degree in counselor education and supervision and accepted a faculty position at Missouri State University in the counseling psychology department. Bridger has a passion for educating and supporting clinicians all throughout their journey of professional development. In addition to his many other projects, Bridger is one of three hosts on the well-known EMDR podcast, Notice That.

Melissa Benintendi, LPC

Melissa Benintendi, LPC, is an owner and the Director of Clinical Embodiment at Beyond Healing Institute in Springfield, MO. She is an international EMDR consultant, podcaster, and trainer specifically focused on practicing therapy with the body in mind. She is a co-author and trainer of Somatic Integration and Processing, which is a case conceptualization model that teaches therapists to understand their work through the lenses of somatic psychology, interpersonal neurobiology and adaptive information processing models. Melissa is pursuing her PhD in Somatic Psychology through the California Institute of Integral Studies. She continues to see private clients and lead therapeutic intensives and retreats.