Beyond the Barriers: From Defense to Opening, Part 3

About this event

Workshop 3: From Defense to Opening

Offered In-Person and Live Online

What does it look like when a client's defense state begins to shift? What do we do from there?

In this workshop, we will explore the use of curiosity, compassion, collaboration, and containment to support safely setting aside defense states. Learn strategies for resourcing and building skills for the protected state beneath the defense. We will discuss how and when to progress towards healing and resolution of those states. This workshop will include demonstrations of interventions and experiential exercises. Experientials will be adapted for online participants.

Though taught through the lens of child therapy, the concepts apply to adolescent and adult work as well — especially for clinicians who use IFS, ego state, or other parts-based approaches.

Part 3 of a 3-Part Workshop Series, this series teaches clinicians to work with defense states rather than against them. Drawing on EMDR principles, polyvagal theory, and ego state theory we explore how to recognize defense states, engage them creatively, and support clients in safely opening to the vulnerabilities underneath.

Participants also have the option of joining a 6-month consultation group facilitated by Meg when they register for one or all of these workshops. This consultation group is an additional cost and includes the following:

• Access to a WhatsApp message thread where group consultation members can hold ongoing discussion of their cases and needs.

• Two 3-hour online consultation group meetings. These are scheduled monthly, and participants may choose 3 of 6 groups to join. Additional groups can be purchased at a discounted rate.

This consultation group is intended for therapists working with children and adolescents who are interested in building skills, case discussion, and connecting with colleagues. The Consultation Group runs from August 2026-February 2027.

Meg Hamilton, LCMHC, ATR has been working with children and adolescents who have experienced chronic and acute trauma since 2012. Her experience includes working with youth in residential treatment centers, survivors of human trafficking, in-home family centered therapy, and private practice, where she has focused on developing skills as an EMDR therapist who includes art therapy and play in its application. Meg is the owner of Birch Counseling, PLLC as well as The Birch Center, LLC, where she is motivated by improving sustainability and well being for mental health providers in their work.