Treating Somatic Symptoms with ISTDP

A number of patients experience bodily symptoms for which no clear physical cause can be identified. These difficulties may be referred to as psycho-physiologic or ‘medically unexplained’ symptoms (MUS), psychosomatic or functional neurological disorders. Symptoms may range from chronic pain to pseudo-seizures and include various neurological symptoms such as dizziness or weakness. There is strong evidence to indicate that for some patients these difficulties are caused by emotional dysregulation and traumatic experiences, but without effective strategies to diagnose and treat emotional factors, they are at risk of unnecessary invasive procedures and medications.

Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), an emotion-focused, accelerated form of dynamic psychotherapy has been shown to be an effective form of treatment for these difficulties. ISTDP focuses on the unconscious emotional processes that underlie many physical and somatic difficulties such as chronic pain, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal issues, headache, muscle weakness and other mind body problems. This is an active approach consisting of a targeted set of techniques focused on processing emotional blockages responsible for symptoms of psychological distress. ISTDP has a robust evidence base and research indicates that positive outcomes are long lasting and that patients continue to improve after termination.

The 1-day workshop provides an overview of techniques used to diagnose and treat emotional factors in psycho-physiologic disorders, followed by a clinical video presentation to demonstrate treatment in action. Time will be allocated for questions and discussion of participants own cases.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the theoretical framework of ISTDP as it applies to psycho-physiologic disorders

• Identify specific interview techniques to diagnose emotional factors underlying physical symptoms

• Understand the different neuro-physiological unconscious anxiety pathways that impact on physical symptoms

• Learn targeted anxiety regulation strategies

• Understand emotional processes as somatic events and learn how to deepen emotional experiencing in session, thereby alleviating somatic symptoms

Target audience

This workshop is suitable for mental health professionals at all stages of their careers. No prior knowledge of dynamic psychotherapy is required. Because clinical material will be presented, participants must be registered with a professional body (eg: UKCP, GMC, UKCP, BACP etc.) or trainees in an accredited programme. Attendance is at discretion of the organisers. Please feel free to email to enquire if you are not sure if you are eligible.

Facilitator:

Dr Lewis is a chartered clinical psychologist registered with the British Psychological Society and the Health and Care Professions Council. She has over 20 years clinical experience in both NHS settings and private practice and has a particular interest in working with clients diagnosed with physical health conditions such as auto-immune disorders, fibromyalgia and chronic pain.

Dr Lewis is an IEDTA accredited supervisor and trainer and provides individual supervision in ISTDP as well as running introductory courses and advanced training programmes. Further information is available at www.istdp.london

Enquiries: [email protected]

Participant feedback:

Highly informative and engaging – role plays were excellent learning tool. Really inspiring, personally and professionally.(Counsellor, 1-5 years in practice)

Excellent course. Gave me a good flavour of ISTDP and I will definitely pursue with further training at some point.  (Psychiatrist, 11+ years in practice)

Very stimulating and informative. Groundbreaking techniques to help deal with defences and break through to unconscious affect & will definitely be putting it into practise.(Counselling Psychologist, 1-5 years in practice)

Very helpful and professionally run course. Thank you very much for sharing knowledge and experience in the clinical work.(Psychotherapist, 20+ years in practice)

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

British Psychological Society, 30 Tabernacle Street, London, United Kingdom