From Imaginary Friend to Dissociation – AIP-Informed EMDR Conceptualization in Complex Cases - Part II
Tracks
Hall B4
| Saturday, June 6, 2026 |
| 11:00 - 12:30 |
| Hall B4 |
Overview
Kerstin Stellermann-Strehlow (C&A) (Germany)
Speaker
Kerstin Stellermann-Strehlow
Sen.researcher/Founder
University Medical Center Saarland / Kst-traumahilfe/
From Imaginary Friend to Dissociation – AIP-Informed EMDR Conceptualization in Complex Cases - Part II
11:00 - 12:30Abstract
Authors
Kerstin Stellermann-Strehlow1,
1KST-Traumahilfe, www.kst-traumahilfe.de, Lüneburg, Germany and University Clinic of Saarland,Kirrberger Str. 90.2,66421 Homburg, Germany,
Children and adolescents often present with overlapping symptoms such as intrusive imagery, dissociation, and psychotic experiences, challenging clinicians to differentiate trauma-related processes from early psychosis. The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) framework offers an integrative way to conceptualize these phenomena as manifestations of dysregulated memory networks rather than categorical disorders.
This advanced workshop demonstrates how AIP-based case formulation guides assessment, safety planning, and EMDR treatment in complex cases. Using clinical vignettes, participants will explore distinctions between imaginary companions, trauma-related intrusions, dissociative states, and early psychotic features. Step-by-step strategies for titrated EMDR processing and stabilization will be introduced.
Participants will learn how to maintain therapeutic safety, adjust EMDR protocols, and decide when to process, pause, or refer—without abandoning the AIP perspective.
Unlocking the power of AIP here means accessing fragile networks carefully and respectfully, while preserving the integrity of both the client’s sense of reality and the therapist’s clinical boundaries.
Learning Objectives
1. Differentiate imaginary friends, dissociation, trauma intrusions, and psychotic-like symptoms within the AIP framework.
2. Apply AIP-informed case formulation to guide clinical decisions in complex cases.
3. Implement stabilization and titration strategies for high-risk presentations.
4. Identify indicators for supervision and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Target Audience / Level
Advanced EMDR practitioners, child & adolescent psychiatrists, trauma therapists, clinical supervisors.
Methods
lecture, case vignettes, decision-tree exercises, group discussion.
Keywords
AIP, EMDR, dissociation, psychosis, imaginary friend, differential diagnosis, safety, stabilization
Kerstin Stellermann-Strehlow1,
1KST-Traumahilfe, www.kst-traumahilfe.de, Lüneburg, Germany and University Clinic of Saarland,Kirrberger Str. 90.2,66421 Homburg, Germany,
Children and adolescents often present with overlapping symptoms such as intrusive imagery, dissociation, and psychotic experiences, challenging clinicians to differentiate trauma-related processes from early psychosis. The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) framework offers an integrative way to conceptualize these phenomena as manifestations of dysregulated memory networks rather than categorical disorders.
This advanced workshop demonstrates how AIP-based case formulation guides assessment, safety planning, and EMDR treatment in complex cases. Using clinical vignettes, participants will explore distinctions between imaginary companions, trauma-related intrusions, dissociative states, and early psychotic features. Step-by-step strategies for titrated EMDR processing and stabilization will be introduced.
Participants will learn how to maintain therapeutic safety, adjust EMDR protocols, and decide when to process, pause, or refer—without abandoning the AIP perspective.
Unlocking the power of AIP here means accessing fragile networks carefully and respectfully, while preserving the integrity of both the client’s sense of reality and the therapist’s clinical boundaries.
Learning Objectives
1. Differentiate imaginary friends, dissociation, trauma intrusions, and psychotic-like symptoms within the AIP framework.
2. Apply AIP-informed case formulation to guide clinical decisions in complex cases.
3. Implement stabilization and titration strategies for high-risk presentations.
4. Identify indicators for supervision and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Target Audience / Level
Advanced EMDR practitioners, child & adolescent psychiatrists, trauma therapists, clinical supervisors.
Methods
lecture, case vignettes, decision-tree exercises, group discussion.
Keywords
AIP, EMDR, dissociation, psychosis, imaginary friend, differential diagnosis, safety, stabilization
