Dr Otto Kernberg - The Series

Beyond food: understanding and treating eating disorders at their source with EMDR. In this webinar, Natalia Seijo, Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist, EMDR Europe trainer, and specialist in complex trauma, explores eating disorders beyond their behavioral aspects. Through her integrative approach, Natalia Seijo helps shed light on the hidden roots of eating disorders: • How to work beyond eating behaviors • Understanding the defense mechanisms that maintain the disorder • Exploring body image distortion

In this in-depth interview, Otto Kernberg reflects on how the DSM-5 conceptualizes the severity of personality disorders through disturbances in self-functioning and interpersonal relationships. He explores why narcissistic patients often struggle in therapy, particularly due to rigid self-perceptions and difficulties with dependency and vulnerability. Kernberg discusses contemporary treatment approaches that integrate cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic methods, with special attention to complex and chronic delusional patterns. Drawing on his background and early aspirations as a neurologist, he shares insights from psychiatry and underscores the lasting value of psychoanalytic training. The interview also touches on the personal and professional challenges therapists face when working with severe personality pathology, and the ongoing need for effective, well-founded treatments. Learning objectives: -Understand DSM-5’s dimensional view on personality disorder severity -Gain insight into therapeutic challenges with narcissistic patients -Explore integrative treatment approaches combining CBT and psychodynamic therapy -Reflect on the role of psychoanalytic training in modern psychiatry

In Understanding Healthy vs. Unhealthy Narcissism, Frank Yeomans demonstrates how healthy narcissistic traits support realistic self-esteem and genuine connection, whereas unhealthy narcissism can lead to isolation and relational blind spots. He highlights that the capacity for deep, reciprocal relationships is central to both assessment and treatment. Learning objectives - Recognize the distinction between healthy and unhealthy narcissistic features - Gain insight into how relational capacities support diagnostic understanding - Understand which dynamics emerge in therapy when partners express their dissatisfaction

Ad de Jongh presents the latest developments in EMDR therapy, explaining how working-memory taxation and targeted cognitive tasks reduce the emotional impact of traumatic memories. He also introduces innovative applications such as Blind-to-Therapist EMDR and the Flash-Forward protocol, supported by promising long-term results, even in clients with psychosis. Learning objectives - Understand how working-memory taxation enhances EMDR effectiveness - Learn how cognitive tasks support trauma processing - Get acquainted with Blind-to-Therapist EMDR - Understand the use of the Flash-Forward protocol - Gain insight into recent findings, including EMDR for psychosis

In this masterclass, Roberto Lewis-Fernández demonstrates how the Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) brings culture back into focus within the therapy room. He explores how stories of suffering are always embedded in family, history, community, and faith — and how understanding those layers deepens the therapeutic relationship. Learning objectives: - Gain insight into the theoretical background and structure of the Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) - Learn how cultural meaning influences clinical judgment and the therapeutic relationship - Recognize how to apply cultural formulation in assessment and clinical dialogue - Develop greater cultural sensitivity in listening to and interpreting patients’ experiences

In this video, Dickon Bevington introduces the concept of mentalizing and explains why a mentalizing stance is essential in mental health care. He discusses the AMBIT model, with particular attention to iterative learning and the complex challenges professionals face in their work. Dickon highlights the importance of understanding clients’ perspectives, as well as the impact of professional shame on the therapeutic process. In addition, he emphasizes how crucial teamwork is and how therapeutic practices can be adapted to individual needs, with specific attention to people on the autism spectrum.

Imagery Rescripting is a powerful therapeutic method for transforming the emotional meaning of traumatic memories. In this roleplay, a client recalls a painful childhood scene involving an intimidating stepfather. Under the therapist’s guidance, she re-enters the memory to face and change what once felt overwhelming. Through rescripting, the therapist offers support and compassion to the child version of the client, helping her reclaim control and rewrite her inner story. The session illustrates how imagery can bring healing to unresolved emotions and unmet needs from early life. Learning objectives: - Understand the key steps and rationale of Imagery Rescripting in Schema Therapy. - Observe how the therapist guides the client through confronting and transforming a traumatic memory. -Recognize the role of emotional attunement, safety, and compassionate reparenting in the rescripting process. - Learn how to balance structure and spontaneity when leading a client through emotionally charged imagery.

In this roleplay, the client takes the lead in rescripting her own painful memories. Using imagery, she revisits moments of conflict with her mother, expressing anger, sadness, and disappointment while exploring a deeper need for understanding and connection. Supported by the therapist, Tessa feels safe enough to engage with her younger self, reflect on her relationship with her mother, and express her wish for closeness. The session demonstrates how empowering clients to actively reshape their memories fosters healing and self-compassion. Learning objectives: - Observe how clients can take an active role in Imagery Rescripting. - Understand the therapist’s role in creating safety and encouraging emotional expression. - Recognize how anger and vulnerability coexist during rescripting. - Learn techniques to help clients integrate new emotional experiences into their self-narrative.

Trauma work can evoke intense emotions, and clients may sometimes dissociate during imagery exercises. This roleplay illustrates how therapists can recognize early signs of dissociation and use grounding techniques—such as tactile objects like a fleece blanket—to help clients stay connected to the present moment. When clients become overwhelmed, they can signal for help, allowing the therapist to intervene calmly and restore safety. The session highlights the importance of pacing, attunement, and maintaining a secure environment during trauma processing. Learning objectives: - Identify early signs of dissociation during Imagery Rescripting. - Learn practical grounding techniques to help clients stay present. - Understand how to re-establish safety without interrupting the therapeutic process. - Develop sensitivity to the client’s signals of overwhelm and readiness.

Aggression and threat can emerge vividly during imagery work. In this demonstration, the therapist models how to manage such situations safely and effectively. When the client imagines confronting an abusive stepfather, the therapist intervenes with a “magical” technique—symbolically neutralizing the aggressor to protect the child within the imagery. This approach helps the client experience safety, empowerment, and control within the rescripting process. The session offers a clear example of how creativity and structure combine in therapeutic imagination. Learning objectives: - Understand how to handle aggression or threat that arises in Imagery Rescripting. - Learn how symbolic or “magical” interventions can restore safety in the imagery. - Observe how to empower clients without reinforcing helplessness. - Recognize the therapeutic rationale behind creative imagery techniques.

In schema therapy we work with emotions, cognitions and behaviours, but only touch the subject of the body tangentially. However, many clients, particularly with complex histories, present with somatic symptoms. Sometimes client’s story is told more by the body than words. There may be modes that express themselves primarily somatically, sometimes the Vulnerable Child or Infant Mode is pre-verbal. Clinicians can feel quite stuck and at a loss when there is a need to go beyond words and client’s narrative, or where the client appears to be trapped in a strong coping or critic mode. This presentation will give a brief outline of integrating the body more directly in schema therapy work. It will address questions such as why we need to work with the body at all and look at the benefits as well as the risks. It will give a brief outline of the basic steps that can be taken to create a structure to work with the body, and also learn to access the body as a place of comfort, particularly where the body has been the site of trauma in the past. The aim of the presentation is to give clinicians ideas and confidence about bringing more body focus into their usual schema therapy interventions, and also use their own body as a place of guidance and resourcefulness.

Janis Briedis explores core emotional needs, schemas, and coping styles, highlighting the crucial role of the body in therapy—especially for trauma. He demonstrates techniques to interpret body signals, connect emotions with physical sensations, and integrate somatic awareness into treatment. With an emphasis on humor and playfulness, this approach helps clients access their healthy adult state and enhance self-care.

The session includes exploration of barriers (coping modes) to the Young One (Vulnerable Child mode), leading to a rapid shift to (or breaking into) a vigorous, life-filled Healthy Adult state full of vitality and feeling of expansiveness. Topics of grounding, co-regulation and object permanence are touched upon in the session.

This video explores Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), a therapeutic approach that views emotions as central to human experience. EFT helps clients become aware of, accept, and transform their emotions. The therapy combines following the client’s emotional process with guiding them through tasks like resolving unresolved feelings or self-criticism. By focusing on bodily responses and synthesizing emotions (e.g., turning shame into healthy anger), EFT fosters deep emotional change. The process is non-linear, emphasizing experiential over intellectual understanding, and aims to help clients transform core painful emotions.

In this video, Les Greenberg demonstrates Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) with Marcel, a patient who struggles with a pleasing attitude. Marcel discusses how he often stays quiet, especially around dominant individuals, and avoids expressing his true thoughts. In the first session, he also addresses his relationship with his mother, exploring its impact on his behavior. Throughout the session, Greenberg guides Marcel in unpacking these issues and shares key takeaways for therapists on how to approach similar dynamics in their own practice.

The session demonstrates the process of conceptualising client’s difficulties managing anxiety as the Demanding/Blaming Critic mode that is squashing the Vulnerable Child mode, moderated by the Catastrophizer coping mode. The chair work leads to an in-depth understanding and softening of the Demanding Critic, ability to somatically soothe the Vulnerable Child mode and the appearance of the Playful Child mode and the importance of self-compassion.

In this session a somatic sense of boundaries is explored through movement between the client and therapist. Movement towards each other allows the client to tap into the sense of their ’no’ or ’stop’ , as well as ‘yes’ in the body. As part of the exercise feelings about boundaries being set by the therapist are explored, and repair of mini-rupture in the therapeutic relationship is demonstrated.

In this fourth and final session, Elisabeth goes through the trauma once more with Willemijn to ensure she has understood everything correctly and to see if there are any missing points or adjustments needed. "Going through the movie one more time," as Elisabeth puts it.

In this second session, Elisabeth starts by asking Willemijn how she feels after their first session to assess its impact on her. Following this, they begin to lay out Willemijn's lifeline. Symbols are used in the lifeline to describe situations, such as stones (unpleasant events), flowers (beautiful events), sticks (harm done to someone), and candles (loss of loved ones).

How can you stay truly connected with your teenager—especially during a stage when they seem to pull away? In this introduction to Hold Me Tight / Let Me Go, Barbara Veldt explores how Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) can help strengthen the bond between parents and teens. Developed in the US and further refined in Norway and the Netherlands, this program offers practical tools to navigate the challenges of adolescence—from identity pressures and mood swings to the growing need for independence. Through group sessions, home assignments, and family conversations, grounded in attachment theory, parents learn how to provide support and safety while giving their teenager space to grow. Suitable for all parents, including divorced or single parents.

Emotionally focused family therapy (EFT) strengthens family relationships by enhancing attachment between parents and children. It follows three stages: increasing parental responsiveness, helping children express vulnerability, and consolidating changes. The EFT Tango, a structured method, guides therapists in processing emotions and initiating new conversations. Emotions play a key role in communication, highlighting the importance of parents expressing their feelings to support their children effectively.

Gail Palmer sits down with families to explore the complexities of their relationships. Conversations touch on bringing family members closer, parental hopes for their children, and the role of trust and communication. Language preferences and emotional expression are discussed, while children share their feelings of connection and parents reflect on their involvement. Through shared experiences and suggested family activities, the importance of quality time and a supportive environment becomes clear, fostering stronger bonds and a sense of security.

In this second session, Gus reflects on the first session and shares how it impacted him. Together with Dr. Leanne Campbell, he explores his relationship with his parents, particularly his mother, who passed away at a young age. This session focuses on how this loss and other significant dilemmas have played a role in shaping Gus's identity.

In this first session, Dr. Leanne Campbell engages in conversation with Gus, focusing on building a therapeutic relationship. Together, they explore his childhood, family situation, and the reasons that brought him to therapy. Gus is already undergoing therapy, and in this session, Leanne helps him clarify and deepen his focus and pacing in EFIT.

In this video, Dr. Leanne Campbell provides a comprehensive introduction to Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT). She discusses the history and development of this therapeutic approach, walks you through the different phases, and explains how EFIT contributes to strengthening emotional connections and resilience. Additionally, she offers a unique insight into her practice by showcasing several sessions with her own clients, bringing the theory to life in practice.

How do you create a positive bond between yourself and your partner? In this video, the first two stages of EFT are explained and illustrated through a demonstration. Afterwards, Dr. Marlene Best and Dr. Sue Johnson discuss the therapy session with each other, so you can get some tips from it as well.

In this roleplay Dr. Suzanne Levy shows how to discuss the attachment problems underlying behavioral problems of the adolescent. The roleplay involves a conversation between father, son and mother with the therapist in the lead.

In this role-play Marjolein Koementas-de Vos works with participants as they reflect on personal experiences. One participant describes the joy of spending quality time with family and its positive impact on mood. Another shares difficulties with communication in their marriage and fears of inadequacy. The group discusses the value of openly sharing feelings to build support and understanding, with recognition identified as a key benefit. The session concludes with participants expressing renewed motivation to share and support one another.

In this video, Prof. Dr. Bernhard Strauss and Bram van der Boom use role-play to demonstrate how the Evidence-Based Group Treatment (EBGT) website supports group therapy for anxiety disorders. Bram van der Boom (actor) seeks consultation about group-related issues. The discussion focuses on the transition from individual to group therapy in the treatment of anxiety, and the importance of using evidence-based practices. The EBGT website is presented as a resource that provides research, manuals, and tools to guide effective treatment. The role-play also explores group dynamics and promotes transdiagnostic approaches for addressing a range of anxiety disorders. Therapists are encouraged to use the website to enhance the quality of their group therapy sessions.

In this video, Prof. Dr. Gary Burlingame and Marjolein Koementas-de Vos demonstrate the use of the Evidence-Based Group Treatment (EBGT) website through a role-play example focused on depression. Marjolein discusses the transition from individual to group therapy at a mental health clinic, where depression affects over 30% of patients. The role-play highlights the website’s tools and resources for selecting effective group treatments and emphasizes the role of therapeutic relationships in client improvement. Interpersonal behavioral activation is presented as a group therapy method. The video also addresses the need for therapist training, professional support, and monitoring treatment effectiveness — all supported by the EBGT website.

The session begins with a warm welcome and the identification of a distressing mental image. This leads to an in-depth discussion about Carla’s emotional responses, including stress, anxiety, and feelings of powerlessness. The conversation also touches on her physical reactions — particularly a sense of tightness or disturbance in the chest. To help manage this tension, therapist Ad Kerkhof introduces grounding techniques such as the butterfly hug and counting backwards. These methods aim to support emotional regulation and prepare Carla for the next steps in treatment. The session concludes with a reflection on the progress made and a brief look ahead, ensuring that Carla feels supported and ready for what’s to come.

Lauren Aron, a psychotherapist specializing in eating disorders, discusses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and its application in treating conditions like anorexia nervosa. She shares insights on dietary guidance, emphasizing portion control and meal frequency. The session includes a case study and highlights the importance of psychoeducation, addressing body image issues, and developing long-term recovery strategies. Safety in therapy and the need for structured treatment plans are also emphasized.

In this last phase of a group schema therapy for cluster C personality disorders, we see experts Guido Sijbers and Judith Holland at work. They show how to use the group in a chair exercise to help stimulate the healthy adult mode in patient Susan. Susan has a problem at work and would like to confront her boss.

In this moving demonstration, prof. dr. Geert Smid guides a client to focus on the meaning of the loss of a child.

In this roleplay, prof. dr. Anthony Bateman demonstrates how to help clients feel at ease in an online MBT session.

In this demonstration, Helen Macdonald guides a mindfulness exercise and explains why mindfulness is such an important part of treating chronic pain.

In this role-play, Helen Macdonald demonstrates how to explore the impact of pain with a client suffering from chronic pain. The client, Anna, shares how much the pain affects her and which important activities she is no longer able to do as a result. Exploring this impact is a crucial first step in a CBT treatment for chronic pain.

Participants reflect on their emotional state, expressing both stress and excitement. They share past therapy experiences and the importance of supportive therapists. The conversation explores mental health struggles, coping strategies, and the role of friends. Relationship dynamics are examined, focusing on communication issues and the need for validation, ending with reflections on growth and connection. Note from Poul Perris: These sessions were conducted over two consecutive days, with two meetings per couple. While this differs from a full Schema Therapy process under regular conditions, the limited timeframe offered a unique opportunity to focus on core dynamics and create meaningful therapeutic moments in a condensed format. My approach was adapted to make the most of this setting and offer the couples interventions that could truly resonate within the time available.

In this fifth part of the masterclass, Dr. Patricia Resick explores PTSD as a complex condition influenced by a range of psychological and behavioral factors. She introduces the functional model of PTSD, which emphasizes the challenges of recovery and the importance of viewing symptoms beyond mere diagnostic criteria. Recovery is a gradual process, and research shows that typical trauma responses can develop into full-blown symptoms over time. Resick explains how avoidance behaviors and negative emotions can block recovery, and how therapy must directly address these barriers to be effective.

In this roleplay, Dr. Leanne Campbell collaborates with Nina, a 43-year-old woman who recently lost a loved one and is struggling with an unresolved childhood trauma. Nina is experiencing a depressive episode that has lasted for six months and feels stuck, lonely, and isolated. In this first part of the session, Leanne focuses on building an emotional connection with Nina and guides her through the first phase of ‘The Tango,’ a process aimed at connecting with her feelings and inner experiences.

In this session, Juliette delves deeper into the process of focusing. We will invite Marieke to explore a bodily felt sense, which may be a nuanced or complex feeling, potentially linked to an event in her life. Together, we will navigate through the steps of focusing to gain deeper insight and understanding.

In this presentation, we delve into the essence of Emotion-Focused Therapy for individuals, highlighting the pivotal role of empathetic responses. Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is metaphorically described as an expansive sea of empathy, with isles of work. Our journey begins with a deep dive into empathic exploration and attunement. We aim to uncover the core issues troubling the patient, adopting the perspective and sensitivity of a therapist to navigate through their emotional landscape. The aim is to follow and to guide.

In this masterclass, you'll gain insight into some of the most innovative and unusual techniques used in psychotherapy today. Drawing on his extensive experience as a clinician and researcher, Dr. Akhtar will guide you through a range of interventions designed to help you better connect with your clients and achieve lasting change. From psychodrama and bibliotherapy to music and dance therapy, this masterclass covers a wide range of approaches that you can use to engage with clients and help them overcome their challenges.

In this demonstration prof. dr. Wim Veling introduces nature sceneries through virtual reality, aimed to help a client fully relax.

In this roleplay, prof. dr. Anthony Bateman demonstrates how to assist clients in the 'pretend mode' by tackling the low level of mentalisation.

In this series, you will learn about the existing and future clinical applications of VR. In this first masterclass, Albert "Skip" Rizzo will explain what virtual reality is and how it can be used for therapeutic purposes. A number of previews from existing VR applications will be shown.

In this webinar, dr. Tanja Su, Esther van Elswijk, and prof. dr. Anne Margriet Pot provide insight into online therapeutic treatment of elderly patients. Supporting research evidence is discussed as well as the challenges that accompany the online treatment of these patients, who are often less digitally apt than younger patients. In addition insight is provided into online diagnostic assessment and treatment of elderly individuals.

In this webinar, prof. dr. Geert van Hove, Kamiel Zijderveld, and Rianne Dekker tell us more about how to treat patients who have a mental disability. They explain how you can give this group of patients therapy in an online setting, and the important points to keep in mind when doing so.

ISTDP stands for Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy. The essence of ISTDP is about gaining insight into and experiencing emotions, desires and needs, the fears that are associated with experiencing these, and the defense mechanisms that are in place against these fears. Usually these originate from painful experiences in childhood related to insecure attachment and unsafe striving for autonomy. In this webinar, prof. dr. Allan Abbass will show us different applications of ISTDP with mild to complex personality dysfunction. Special attention is given to applying this short-term therapy in an online setting.

In this masterclass, Skip Rizzo shows different ways in which virtual reality (VR) can be used in mental healthcare. He shows us this with examples from virtual reality applications and interventions.

In this fourth and final session, Elisabeth goes through the trauma once more with Willemijn to ensure she has understood everything correctly and to see if there are any missing points or adjustments needed. "Going through the movie one more time," as Elisabeth puts it.

In the eighth session, the focus is on setting new goals: becoming aware of new behavior when Lisanne encounters old patterns. Lisanne and Laurian discuss new memories and conclude with “I am realistic, I am brave”.

In this director's cut, Ruud Jongedijk looks back at three NET sessions he had with both Hans and Victoria during the week of the Trauma Tapes. Ruud discusses the various elements of NET therapy, including the lifeline, working through stones and flowers and reading the traumatic story to the patient. The life line, working through flowers, reading the traumatic story aloud and the final reporting in a life booklet are unique elements of NET.

In this fifth session of the Trauma Tapes, you'll see how Prof. Dr. Ad de Jongh applies EMDR 2.0: an EMDR method based on working memory theory. In doing so, Ad de Jongh uses a variation of tasks aimed at increasing working memory load. -Dutch with English subtitles-

In this fourth session of the Trauma Tapes, you'll see Prof. Ad de Jongh apply EMDR to a traumatic experience of Victoria. He also helps change her self-blame, a common theme in traumatic experiences. It also provides insight into how quickly EMDR can be effective. -Dutch with English subtitles-

In this webinar, Graham Taylor shows how to combine schema therapy and EMDR with complex cases. Graham Taylor has many years of experience in applying different forms of therapy with this population of patients.

In this third session of the BEPP series, prof. dr. Berthold Gersons shows how to use writing and memorable objects in BEPP therapy, the help a patient process their trauma.

In this second session of the BEPP series, prof. dr. Berthold Gersons shows how to guide a patient through an imaginal exposure.

In this role-play, Helen Macdonald demonstrates how to explore the impact of pain with a client suffering from chronic pain. The client, Anna, shares how much the pain affects her and which important activities she is no longer able to do as a result. Exploring this impact is a crucial first step in a CBT treatment for chronic pain.

In this video, Sandra Kooij introduces the basic principles of the standard treatment for ADHD in adults. She discusses various treatment options, including medication, psycho-education, coaching, and behavioral interventions, and explains how these approaches are combined to support adults with ADHD in managing their daily challenges.

In this ninth session of the Trauma Tapes, Prof. Agnes van Minnen adds exposure in vivo to imaginary exposure. For example, during the imaginary exposure she exposes Victoria to sounds of panting men and the smell of shag. -Dutch with English subtitles-

In this third session of the Trauma Tapes, Ruud Jongedijk guides Victoria through a narrative exposure. Victoria tells about a traumatic experience of abuse by her father (a stone in her lifeline). Then she tells about her liberation (a flower), releasing a lot of emotion. Her grandmother turned out to be a very important source of support in her life. -Dutch with English subtitles-

During the Grief Tapes we focus on recognizing and treating grief. In this studio series you will see how Dr. Geert Smid treats a patient live and applies grief therapy (BEPP-TG). With Geert Smid, Mr. Moto and Bram van der Boom

In this fourth webinar in the ISTDP series, Kees Cornelissen talks about the nature and origin of selfdestructive behavior, how it develops over time, and the resulting dynamic after it has been developed. In a role-play, he also shows how ISTDP can be applied with a patient that exhibits selfdestructive behavior.

In this first webinar of the ISDTP series, José Verpoort explains what ISTDP is and how it developed from traditional psychodynamic therapy and how it was originally meant for patients with high psychological resistance. In a role play she shows how to identify anxiety symptoms with a patient during a first session.

Is anger always rooted in trauma, or is some aggression simply part of being human? In this thought-provoking lecture, Dr. Frank Yeomans explores the complex relationship between trauma-related anger and innate human aggression. Drawing from clinical experience and psychodynamic theory, he examines how trauma therapies such as EMDR can reduce secondary anger linked to emotional neglect and abuse — while also challenging the idea that all anger can, or should, be “resolved.” You’ll discover: - How trauma fuels secondary anger and resentment - Why healthy anger is essential for setting boundaries - How unhealthy anger can damage relationships and isolate individuals - Why some forms of aggression may exist independently of trauma - The philosophical and clinical implications of anger in psychotherapy

In Are Personality Organisations Categorical or Dimensional? Frank Yeomans illustrates that personality organizations are better understood dimensionally rather than categorically. He discusses how stress, development, and identity play a role in understanding personality disorders as dynamic systems. Learning objectives - Understand the distinction between categorical and dimensional models - Understand how stress and development influence personality organization - Gain insight into the role of identity and reality testing

In Understanding Healthy vs. Unhealthy Narcissism, Frank Yeomans demonstrates how healthy narcissistic traits support realistic self-esteem and genuine connection, whereas unhealthy narcissism can lead to isolation and relational blind spots. He highlights that the capacity for deep, reciprocal relationships is central to both assessment and treatment. Learning objectives - Recognize the distinction between healthy and unhealthy narcissistic features - Gain insight into how relational capacities support diagnostic understanding - Understand which dynamics emerge in therapy when partners express their dissatisfaction

In this introduction, David Bernstein and Limor Navot explain how forensic schema therapy was developed, how it works, the research supporting it, and how therapists apply it in practice.

In this session, Frank addresses the sudden loss of his father in a car accident, a traumatic experience with a profound effect on how he goes through life. Gradually they come to his fear of intimacy with others.

In this role-play, Josette ten Have works with the patient to uncover the emotional neglect she experienced in her past and helps her get in touch with the painful emotions this caused in her.

In this roleplay, Odette Brand and Remco van de Wijngaart demonstrate imagery rescripting, a technique often applied in schematherapy to reduce negative emotions associated with negative early childhood experiences.

In this roleplay, prof. dr. Anthony Bateman demonstrates how to assist clients in the 'pretend mode' by tackling the low level of mentalisation.

How can we best support children and adolescents with trauma and attachment issues? In this inspiring masterclass, we explore Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), a groundbreaking, relationship-focused therapeutic approach. DDP helps create safety and connection through attuned, responsive caregiving and therapeutic relationships. Deeply rooted in attachment theory, it has proven effective for children with developmental trauma.

Bram van der Boom interviews David Bernstein and Limor Navot.

In this roleplay, Limor treats Jerry, an inmate who becomes angry with the therapist. She uses empathic confrontation and the stop technique to help him recognize that his bully and attack modes do not help him meet his needs.

In this roleplay, David treats Jerry, an inmate who was recently involved in a violent incident. He uses empathic confrontation to help Jerry see that his conning manipulator mode works against him rather than helping him.

In this roleplay, David treats Jerry, an inmate recently involved in a violent incident. He uses modes and mode cards to reflect with Jerry on what happened and explore his behavior.

This presentation examines the complex relationship between addiction and criminal law, particularly focusing on culpability in cases of intoxication. It discusses how various jurisdictions handle prior fault rules and the challenges faced by defendants with mental disorders or substance use issues. The role of behavioral experts is highlighted, emphasizing their impact on judicial decisions regarding addiction and culpability.

Hanneke Schaap provides an introduction to the scientific basis of the role of religion and meaning in the treatment of psychological issues. Additionally, she offers clear guidelines for religion and meaning-sensitive treatment.

With Arjan Videler

The session demonstrates the process of conceptualising client’s difficulties managing anxiety as the Demanding/Blaming Critic mode that is squashing the Vulnerable Child mode, moderated by the Catastrophizer coping mode. The chair work leads to an in-depth understanding and softening of the Demanding Critic, ability to somatically soothe the Vulnerable Child mode and the appearance of the Playful Child mode and the importance of self-compassion.

First session with Lisette – Lisette experiences a strange sense of disgust when people become clingy; she feels like saying, "Leave me alone. Don’t stick to me," even with friends and strangers. This isn’t physical, but rather emotional. Les Greenberg explores this feeling more deeply, trying to understand where it might come from. What does "too close" mean to her, and why doesn't she want to feel this way in friendships?

In session 1 with Maartje, Maartje discusses her struggle to set boundaries and take care of herself. Each time she tries to prioritize her own needs, she becomes very emotional, with tears in her eyes and a lump in her throat. It's the small things that trigger her. Les Greenberg aims to explore the deeper meaning behind these emotions.

During the sixth session, a Zoom conversation takes place in which they follow the ABC model. "B" represents the sticking point they want to work on. The ABC model is a cognitive behavioral therapy technique that helps to understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. With the help of the ABC model, patients and therapists can together identify negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier, more realistic thoughts.

Patricia Resick points out statistics indicating that Amsterdam is one of the safest cities in Europe. However, the patient still feels unsafe. She thoroughly guides the patient through the 'stuck points' in his thought patterns with determination and persistence.

In this 25th session, Anne talks about a conflict with a group member in group therapy. During the conversation, Anne gets angry with Dawn. Dawn demonstrates an important element of MBT, mentalizing in the relationship. This is also an important part of relational mentalizing.

In this director's cut, Agnes van Minnen explains the rationale of imaginal exposure and exposure in vivo. She illustrates the protocol using the two sessions she had with Victoria. She shows that at the beginning and at the end of the session she is attentive to the feelings it evokes in the patients. During the imaginal exposure and exposure in vivo, she is primarily a coach on behavior to subvert the fear idea.

During the Grief Tapes, we focus on recognizing and treating grief. In this studio series, Prof. Paul Boelen explains what prolonged grief means and what reactions grief can cause.

On November 30 and December 7, Psyflix hosted 2 master classes given by experts Anneke Vinke and Dr. Julie Selwyn (English) on the specific issues that can accompany adoption, how to recognize it and how to discuss/treat it. Adoption is a niche topic and these women make it accessible and tangible for us in the therapy room. This is part two of this wonderful series.

On November 30 and December 7, Psyflix hosted 2 master classes given by experts Anneke Vinke and Dr. Julie Selwyn on the specific issues that can accompany adoption, how to recognize it and how to discuss/treat it. Adoption is a niche topic and these women make it accessible and tangible for us in the therapy room. This is part one of this wonderful series.

With Esther Haaijema, Wendy Weijts and Valentyna Parobii