About this workshop

This advanced training will explore in what ways CPP and EMDR can be supplemented at the level of the individual parent as well as dyadic interactions. Participants will learn about the commonalities of both model’s fidelity frameworks across assessment, preparation, and intervention phases as well as differences and contraindications/conflicts. The training will include a mixture of didactics on theory, practical application/decision making, and case examples. Special emphasis will be given to differentiating the Adaptive Information Processing Model (AIP) from the TECHNIQUE of bilateral stimulation/dual attention stimulus (BLS/DAS) and how each can be incorporated into CPP case formulation/practice.

Phill’s argument across the session is that the AIP model and the technique of bilateral stimulation are two different things, and that clinicians give up a lot of ground by treating them as one. Separate them, and a great deal of EMDR becomes available inside a CPP frame without either model losing fidelity. The day moves between theory, live decision making, and recorded case material, including work with a mother whose own history was surfacing in her daughter’s presence.

What you will be able to do afterwards

1. Participants will be able to identify three areas of overlap between the CPP and EMDR fidelity frameworks.
2. Participants will be able to identify and implement three strategies for augmenting CPP sessions with EMDR/BLS informed techniques.
3. Participants will be able to modify phase 3 approaches consistent with the developmental stage of children birth to six.
4. Participants will be able to identify and implement three approaches to integrate EMDR strategies within a dyadic parent-child framework.
5. Participants will be able to identify caregiver "Angels in the Nursery" and translate into phase 2 resourcing skills augmented by BLS/DAS.

course agenda

30 to 45 min  |  Comparison of models

• Phase 1, foundational
  • Shared: HPI, trauma, symptoms, attachment history, orientation to the model, assessing triggers, ghosts, and angels
  • CPP only: child-caregiver observation
  • EMDR only: dissociation assessment
• Phase 2, between CPP assessment and co-construction of the triangle
  • CPP: care coordination and safety planning, outside referrals
  • EMDR: safe place, container, resourcing and extended resourcing, grounding and dissociation skills, strengthening angels (shared)

25 min  |  Case example of processing and strengthening an ambivalent resource experience with a caregiver, via EMDR compared with traditional CPP

20 min  |  Break

60 min  |  In action

• Phases 3, 4, 5 and 6
  • Differentiating the EMDR model from BLS/DAS as a technique
  • Susan and Shane CPP case example revisited through an EMDR lens
    • Utilizing the caregiver as the source of adaptive information rather than accessing it in the child’s network
    • Creating new experiences of adaptive information through dyadic interactions
  • EMDR parent story (Lovett) and the CPP triangle of explanations
  • Accessing the maladaptive network through play and child parent interaction rather than strict protocol

Meet your trainer

Phill Stepka, PsyD, IMH-E
Licensed Clinical Psychologist • Endorsed CPP National Trainer • Certified EMDR Therapist and Endorsed EMDR Consultant • Infant Mental Health Mentor-Clinical

Phill Stepka, PsyD, IMH-E is a licensed clinical psychologist in the United States and has trained and worked in a variety of clinical, research, and academic settings with infants, children, adolescents, adults, and families for over 20 years. Prior to moving to Texas in 2021, he served as clinical faculty in the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Psychiatry Department, teaching faculty for the Harris Center for Infant Mental Health at LSUHSC and the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He is a member of the Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) Global Steering Committee; an endorsed CPP National Trainer; an endorsed Infant Mental Health Mentor-Clinical; Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR); an Endorsed EMDR Consultant; and Credentialled Telehealth Provider.

Dr. Stepka is actively involved in the training of infant mental health practitioners and trauma-informed clinicians at the individual, agency, university, state, national, and international level. He co-authored the book Treating Infants and Young Children Impacted by Trauma: Interventions that Promote Healthy Development and has been involved in research and publications addressing infant mental health, sexual abuse, telehealth, and military families. He has maintained a clinical private practice since 2010 and provides services to residents of Louisiana, Iowa, Texas, and over 40 PsyPact states via telehealth. Click here to learn more about him and his work.

FAQ

Do I need training in both CPP and EMDR?
Yes. This is an advanced workshop and it assumes prior training in both models. If you have completed EMDR basic training but not CPP, or the other way round, the material will move faster than is useful.

Will there be a recording?
No. This session runs live only. If a recorded version is offered in future, it will be announced separately.

What do I need for the session?
A quiet space, a stable connection, and a device where your video can stay on. Interactive CE credit requires that we can verify your attendance.

CE approvals and required statements

Official course title, as filed with EMDRIA, NBCC and ASWB:
CPP and EMDR: Exploring the Spectrum from Infusion to Integration

EMDRIA credits:
2.5 EMDRIA Credits approved

Attendance condition:
Full attendance and a completed evaluation are required for CE credit.

Presenter and provider contact:
Phillip T. Stepka, PsyD, IMH-E, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
phillstepkapsyd@gmail.com

drphillstepka.com

NBCC Required Statement:

Three Rivers Training Center has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7778. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Three Rivers Training Center is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.

ASWB Required Statement:

Three Rivers Training Center, provider # 2357 is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. Social workers completing this course receive 2.5 hours of clinical continuing education credits.