Presentation Handout available HERE
Amanda Tami, LPC, BCBA, talks about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and its use for autistic individuals. She discusses how traumatic memories can get “stuck” in the body and relived when we are exposed to similar stimuli. Tami explains how EMDR works as a form of adaptive information processing that allows the brain and body to let go of these traumatic memories and make room for feelings of safety and calm. The speaker emphasizes the need for more research around trauma and autism, underscoring that living in a world that wasn’t built for you is innately traumatic. She outlines barriers to EMDR therapy and details modifications for autism. Tami gives a clinical example of using modified-EMDR treatment for an autistic patient before the Q&A.
More information on EMDR and providers near you – EMDR International Association
About the speaker:
Amanda Tami, LPC, BCBA, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the Johnson Center for Child Health and Development. She provides behavior analytic services and psychotherapy to neurodivergent individuals and their families. She has experience treating co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. Amanda is certified in EMDR therapy and its applications to children. Amanda has provided training and consultation locally, nationally, and internationally to parents and providers on various topics including building emotion regulation, support across the lifespan, sexuality, and trauma-informed ABA. Amanda lives in Austin with her husband and son and loves cats, crosswords, and Below Deck marathons.
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