The Strategic Developmental Model (SDM) for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy was developed by Maureen Kitchur, MSW, in 1996 in Alberta, Canada.  SDM “is a model that was born out of desperation in the face of the overwhelming treatment needs of severe and multiple trauma victims, forensic clients,  and short term funded high risk individuals” (Kitchur, 1996).

SDM for EMDR was designed for Complex PTSD & Personality Disorder treatment. It has also been successfully but cautiously used in complex dissociative disorders. It is a comprehensive method for maximally delivering the benefits of EMDR. The word “strategic” is used because SDM uses structures, techniques and language to produce a climate of safety, to engage cooperation, to minimize dissociation, regression, and resistance and to facilitate developmental catch-up. “Developmental” is used because SDM aims to facilitate “developmental catch-up” by healing younger ego states before doing the adult trauma work. The components of the Model include: 1. Deliberate utilization of transference and attunement; 2. Sensitive, facilitative, flexible language that assures clients of their safety and rapidly engages them in a “healing trance”; 3. Structured, directive history taking and assessment format via use of the genogram; and 4. The “Targeting Plan” where memories are processed in the following order:  middle childhood (4-11), early childhood, teen, then adult.  According to Kitchur, SDM results in faster and more comprehensive resolution of targets, dissociation is less necessary as a protective coping strategy, and there is less need for lengthy RDI or ego strengthening.

This online course will cover the basic principles of SDM for EMDR and provide case examples and a short practicum exercise.