Panic disorder (PD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and specific phobias are prevalent mental health conditions and are often associated with high levels of impairment. It is a fact that not all patients with these conditions respond to evidence-based treatments (most commonly CBT), and many patients relapse to prior symptoms. This calls for well-considered alternative treatment strategies. There is evidence to suggest that EMDR therapy can be an effective and efficient therapy for panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and specific phobias. In this online course, we explain the specifics and the existing evidence base of EMDR therapy for these conditions. Also, we discuss the treatment strategies that may be helpful in these cases and show how to establish proper case conceptualizations and target selections to make the treatment successful. These strategies will be illustrated by means of video clips of patient treatments.

One of the most powerful interventions in the treatment of specific phobia, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder is the Flashforward procedure. The Flashforward procedure has proven effective in desensitizing intrusive mental representations that are at the core of anticipatory anxiety in individuals suffering from fears or phobias. Just as flashbacks are intrusive memories of what has happened in the past, flashforwards are (often highly unlikely) doom scenarios about the future. In this course you will learn how to use the Flashforward procedure in combination with the Mental Video Check, another indispensable intervention in the treatment of anxiety disorders with EMDR therapy. You will also learn how to use the Flashforward procedure with patients who are inclined to dissociate, for example those with complex PTSD or a borderline personality disorder. The course will offer various demonstrations to illustrate how to use the presented material in both face-to-face same-location and online EMDR therapy.

This online course will present EMDR therapy case conceptualization and treatment strategies for panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and specific phobias. Learn to use the Flashforward Protocol, the Mental Video Check and other techniques illustrated by demonstrations and video clips of patient treatments and appropriate for face-to-face same-location and online EMDR therapy.