Exploring the Use of Biographical Timelines and EMDR to Better Support Individuals With Complex Needs
Date and Time:
June 18, 2026
10:00 am – 2:30 pm
What is the Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series?
The Department of Human Services Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) are pleased to announce the Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series, which offers presentations focused on supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A) and mental health needs. The selected presenters share their expertise on best and promising practices as well as provide general knowledge. Session topics, which focus on increasing capacity to serve individuals with dual diagnosis in the community, are chosen based on identified needs and with input from the field of professional stakeholders. The invited audience of all professional stakeholders, including direct and clinical supporters for individuals with ID/A, are encouraged to attend. Registration is required and at no charge to attendees.
Four (4) hours of training credit and a certificate of achievement are provided.
Session Description
Despite all the advances we have made in supporting people with dual diagnoses, we still struggle to support many people with complex needs. In this seminar, we will look at ways to delve into a person’s biography to explore the hidden impact of life events, from the cellular level to the whole person, in order to meet the person’s needs more fully and to raise the level of compassion toward the person, better enabling supporters to “hang in there” longer and be more creative and supportive in their daily interactions. In the second part of the training, we will explore EMDR as a trauma therapy of choice, in conjunction with a multidimensional, holistic approach.
Register for the event here.
View the flyer for more details, including a full agenda.
