Course Description

Screening for dissociative symptoms is essential prior to engaging in desensitization and/or reprocessing. Some clinicians find their use of the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) and other tools to be “clunky” or ineffective and may miss the point of the screening process or report that it detracts from the the client’s treatment needs. Available screening and assessment tools will be discussed to support participants in assessing the best fit for each setting, expertise, presenting issue, the person’s known history of symptoms and treatment, and the scope or duration of treatment the client is explicitly seeking. When the ‘right-sized’ tool is selected, appropriate implementation is the next step. Tips to using screening tools most effectively and efficiently alongside information gathered from the client and/or collateral contacts. Participants will be guided to refine and deepen their skills in choosing the best available tool and determining levels of readiness for EMDR therapy.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will be able to describe indicators that a screening or assessment tool may be. too big, too small, or just right for a certain setting or situation.
2. Participants will be able to name at least 3 available dissociation screening tools suited for a variety of therapeutic settings.
3. Participants will be able to list at least 3 strategies to support effective and effective implementation of dissociation screening tools.

Presenter(s)

Jennifer Madere, MA, LPC-S

Jennifer Madere, MA, LPC-S, is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and Trainer in Cedar Park, Texas. She has accompanied child and adult survivors of trauma on their journey of healing and recovery since 2003 in community, shelter, and private practice settings. Jennifer is a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) and co-teaches the EMDR therapy training offered by ISSTD. She has published, presented, and consulted internationally on complex trauma and dissociation since 2013 and collaborates with D. Michael Coy and Paul Dell to update the associated documents for the multidimensional inventory of dissociation (MID).