Aims:

Introduce schema therapists to integrating body focused techniques in schema therapy, enhance existing schema therapy techniques and develop an overall awareness of importance of the body in schema therapy context

Teaching Methods:

The presentation will include a lecture, video materials, role plays, working in dyads and large group practice. This is a highly interactive, dynamic workshop designed to create enthusiasm about integrating working with the body in standard schema therapy work.

Learning Objectives:

The workshop will present the theory and experiential approach to integrating body-focused techniques to enhance schema therapy practice in a time-limited manner. These strategies are particularly useful for clients who present with complex needs and have histories of severe childhood neglect or trauma, and who have difficulties engaging with traditional schema therapy techniques.
Topics covered at the workshop:
•Understanding the role of the body in trauma – the neurobiology underpinning complex trauma and fragmentation of self
•Barriers to working with the body both for the client and the therapist
•Tracking the body to identify triggers and modes
•Healing the child modes (Vulnerable Child and Angry Child in particular) with body-oriented affect regulation resources
•Enhancing core ST strategies including imagery and multiple chair techniques with somatic focus
•Helping clients develop an embodied healthy adult mode

Workshop Intended For:

Everyone

Relevant Background Readings on Topic:

Briedis, J. & Startup, H. 'Somatic perspective in schema therapy - the role of the body in the awareness and transformation of modes

and schemas' in Startup, H. & Heath, G. 'Creative Methods in Schema Therapy' (due in press). Briedis, J. 'Body-focused interventions for trauma in schema therapy', ISST Bulletin, September 2019

Levine, P. A. (2015). Trauma and memory: Brain and body in a search for the living past: A practical guide for understanding and working with traumatic memory. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.

Ogden, P., Minton, K., & Pain, C. (2006). Trauma and the body: A sensorimotor approach to psychotherapy. New York, NY: W. W. Norton.

Porges SW (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self- regulation. New York: WW Norton.

Rothschild, B. O. (2000). The body remembers. New York, NY: W. W. Norton.
Van der Kolk, B. A. (1994). The body keeps score: Memory and the evolving psychobiology of posttraumatic stress. New York: Penguin.

About the Presenter:

Janis Briedis

Janis Briedis is a Principal Practitioner Psychologist working in private practice in London and having worked in a complex case service in the NHS for many years. He is an accredited advanced level schema therapist, supervisor and trainer and has been involved with schema therapy for over a decade. Janis is a co-director of Schema Therapy School and runs courses in the UK and overseas. He is also a visiting lecturer at a number of universities in the UK and teaches schema therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and trauma-focused approaches to psychology students. Janis has completed training in sensorimotor psychotherapy and has an interest in the integration of therapeutic modalities to aid clients with complex presentations.