This two-day workshop will explore the core components of moral injury and shame-based trauma using the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) paradigm and evolutionary biology as a critical lens. Furthermore, individual and political case studies will be utilised to assist the integration of theory/practice and exploring broader concepts.

1. A Transtheoretical Introduction to Moral Injury and Shame-Based Trauma

Define moral injury and shame-based trauma.

Discuss the impact of moral transgressions, self-blame, and moral emotions on psychological well-being.

Explore common presenting issues and symptoms associated with moral injury and shame-based trauma and their impact on lived experience.

2. Overview of EMDR and compassion-focused therapy (CFT)

• Introduction to compassion-focused therapy (CFT) and Adaptive Information Processing principles, and its relevance in treating pathogenic memories.

• Critically consider the theoretical integration of EMDR and CFT in addressing moral injury and shame-based trauma.

3. Understanding compassion-focused EMDR through a critical lens

• Define Compassion Focused EMDR and its core components

• Explore the synergies between EMDR and CFT in promoting emotional processing and self-compassion regarding issues such as forgiveness, atonement, challenging secrecy, etc.

• Discuss the rationale for combining these approaches in the treatment of moral injury and shame-based trauma.

4. EMDR/AIP & CFT Case Conceptualization and Assessment

• Present case examples illustrating moral injury and shame-based trauma through the lens of both AIP and CFT

• Discuss considerations for tailoring treatment approaches to individual client needs and cultural factors, guiding participants in integrating both lenses.

5. Practical Techniques in Compassion-Focused EMDR & Self-Care

• Exploration of practice exercises to enhance self-compassion, cultivating compassionate imagery, compassion-focussed letter writing in addressing shame-based trauma and moral injury during EMDR reprocessing

• Guide pacing, titration, and safety protocols in Compassion Focused EMDR 

6. Addressing Clinical and Therapeutic Challenges

• Explore common challenges encountered when working with moral injury and shame-based trauma

• Discuss strategies for navigating resistance, managing intense emotions, and promoting self-care for both clients and therapists

7. Ethical and Cultural Considerations

• Review ethical, and clinical practice guidelines for working with trauma survivors, particularly in the context of moral injury and shame

• Address cultural competence and sensitivity in delivering Compassion Focused EMDR across diverse populations, particularly regarding international trauma capacity building

8. Integration and Future Directions

• Summarise key takeaways from the workshop and opportunities for further learning and skill development

• Encourage participants to integrate Compassion Focused EMDR principles into their clinical practice and seek ongoing consultation and supervision

• Discuss emerging research and future directions for advancing the field of Compassion Focused EMDR in trauma treatment

1. Participants will consider the core components of Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) and evolutionary biology,  and how these models  apply to more vulnerable and complex populations with a specific focus on moral injury and shame-based trauma

2. Participants will explore various theoretical frameworks to explain the trauma landscape of the client’s lived experience through a moral, and compassion-focussed lens

3. Consideration of broader aspects, including compassionate leadership, politics and morality within the ‘trauma industry’, and the importance of compassionate self-care in working with complex, vulnerable, trauma populations.

4. Engagement in problem-based learning to integrate theoretical, empirical, and clinical case examples of moral injury and shame-based trauma to enhance the theory-practice interface and knowledge exchange.