DNMS Resource
Development Protocol
Origins

Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy is a
therapy model consisting of several protocols

Resource Development Protocol is one of them

I’ll briefly introduce the whole model

I’ll explore the Resource development part in detail
2
The DNMS Developer

Shirley Jean Schmidt, LPC

Evolving over last 13 years

First as techniques solely to
support to EMDR

Now a stand-alone model

Pieces of it can be used
support other modalities
3
My Story

Use this slide to tell about your experiences
using the Resource Development Protocol
4
This Presentation
DNMS Overview
RDP Introduction
Client Preparation
Resource Mobilization
Provisional Resources
RDP Complications
DNMS Training
5
DNMS Overview
The DNMS Underpinnings

Children grow and develop in stages

Each stage involves a set of needs

Degree to which developmental needs were not
adequately met…

…is the degree to which a person may be stuck in
childhood
6
DNMS Overview
DNMS Underpinnings

Being stuck means you can
be fine one minute

Then suddenly see the world
through the eyes of a sad,
angry, or fearful child
7
DNMS Overview
DNMS Underpinnings

A child may become stuck after


significant abuse, neglect,
rejection, or enmeshment
simple parenting failures
8
DNMS Overview
DNMS Underpinnings

Sometimes well-meaning
caregivers


unknowingly make
poor parenting choices
experience hardships
9
DNMS Overview
DNMS Underpinnings

Some child parts of self are stuck in reaction to
wounding people from the past

Some child parts of self are stuck mimicking
wounding people from the past

The parts mimicking wounding people constantly
retraumatize those reacting to wounding people
10
DNMS Overview
What is the DNMS?

The DNMS is an ego state therapy

Endeavors to help adult clients get wounded
parts of self unstuck from the past

Providing relief for a wide range of symptoms
and issues
11
DNMS Overview
What the DNMS Treats


Emotional wounds from

unmet childhood needs

wounding relationships
This includes

Trauma wounds

Attachment wounds
12
DNMS Overview
Wounded Parts of Self

DNMS classifies wounded parts as

Reactive parts

Maladaptive introjects
13
DNMS Overview
Reactive Parts

Parts of self that form in
reaction to significant
people who are
physically and/or
emotionally
wounding
I’m
You’re
bad.
bad.
14
DNMS Overview
Maladaptive Introjects

Parts of self that mimic
significant people who
are physically and/or
emotionally
wounding
You’re
bad.
You’re
bad.
15
DNMS Overview
Reactive Parts and Introjects Interact

Introjects convey a wounding person’s message
to reactive parts

Keeping childhood wounds alive into adulthood
You’re
bad.
I’m
bad.
16
DNMS Overview
DNMS Begins with Resource Parts of Self
17
DNMS Overview
Identify Wounded Parts
You’re
worthless
I’m
worthless
18
DNMS Overview
Switching the Dominance Protocol
You’re
worthless
I’m
worthless
19
DNMS Overview
Switching the Dominance Protocol
20
DNMS Overview
Needs Meeting Protocol – Into the Healing Circle
21
DNMS Overview
Needs Meeting Protocol – Meeting Needs
22
DNMS Overview
Needs Meeting Protocol – Processing Emotions
23
DNMS Overview
Needs Meeting Protocol – Bonding
24
DNMS Overview
Needs Meeting Protocol – Totally Unstuck
25
DNMS Overview
Healing By Neural Integration

Siegel: Self-regulation is accomplished with the
process of neural integration…

…as functional linkages are made between
disparate regions of the brain
Stuck in
the past
Living in
the present
26
DNMS Overview
Before the DNMS: Neural Disconnection
Isolated
child part is
stuck in the past
“I’m bad”
Mature,
sensitive, loving,
attuned Resources
“You’re okay”
Disturbance Present
Adaptive Neural Network
27
DNMS Overview
During the DNMS: Neural Connection Forms
Isolated
child part is
stuck in the past
“I’m bad”
Disturbance Resolving
Neural
Pathway
Mature,
sensitive, loving,
attuned Resources
“You’re okay”
Adaptive Neural Network
28
DNMS Overview
After the DNMS: Neural Connection Established
Integrated
child part is
totally unstuck
“I’m okay”
Mature,
sensitive, loving,
attuned Resources
“You’re okay”
Totally Unstuck = Neural Integration = Disturbance Resolved
29
DNMS Overview
Neural Architecture

Many clients lack the neural architecture to
regulate emotions well

DNMS endeavors to develop/strengthen the

neural networks

neural pathways

for self-regulation of emotion
30
DNMS Overview
Neural Networks Developed/Strengthened
31
DNMS Overview
Neural Pathways Developed/Strengthened
32
DNMS Overview
Primary Agent for Change

Not the interpersonal relationship
33
DNMS Overview
Primary Agent for Change

But the intrapersonal relationship
34
DNMS Overview
Alternating Bilateral Stimulation (ABS)

First used in EMDR therapy

Applied with

rapid back and forth eye movements

alternating auditory stimulation

alternating bilateral tactile
35
DNMS Overview
Alternating Bilateral Stimulation
Stuck in
Trauma

Knows
Trauma is
Over
Stickgold: ABS applied in therapy allows
isolated neural networks to more easily
connect to positive, adaptive neural networks
36
DNMS Overview
Alternating Bilateral Stimulation


Used during the DNMS to strengthen connection

To each Resource

To the Resource team (Healing Circle)

between wounded parts and the Resources
Also used to facilitate emotional repair
37
Questions?
38
This Presentation
DNMS Overview
RDP Introduction
Client Preparation
Resource Mobilization
Provisional Resources
RDP Complications
DNMS Training
39
RDP Introduction
The Value of Mobilizing Client Resources

Develops affect management skills

Improves trauma processing efficiency/comfort

Source of internal wisdom

Strengthens internal locus of control
40
RDP Introduction
Resource Parts of Self in Other Models

Using wise, caring, mature parts of self to
nurture wounded child parts is not new

Other ego state and trauma therapies do it

Often lack a system for verifying nurturing
parts of self are competent
41
RDP Introduction
Resource Parts of Self in Other Models

Incompetent “Resources” are not helpful

Some cannot readily mobilize Resources

May feel shame that they cannot “do it right”

Can exacerbate a sense of inadequacy
42
RDP Introduction
Importance of Robust Resources

DNMS success depends on robust Resources

Protocol described here designed to:


Establish robust Resources

Verify they are robust

Signal when processing blocks are present
Later I’ll describe how blocks are cleared
43
RDP Introduction
Overview

Special guided meditations connect clients to…
44
RDP Introduction
Benefits of Resources

Can provide compassion, wisdom, empathy,
reassurance, and advice, at any time, for
any topic…

during sessions

between sessions
45
RDP Introduction
Five Steps


Three Preparation Steps

General orientation

Discussion of anchor experiences

Discuss potential blocks & authentic processing
Two Resource Mobilization Steps

Guided meditations

Healing Circle
46
This Presentation
DNMS Overview
RDP Introduction
Client Preparation
Resource Mobilization
Provisional Resources
RDP Complications
DNMS Training
47
Client Preparation
1. Orient to Nurturing & Protective Adult Self

Nurturing Adult Self: A state
of mind that can competently
nurture a loved one

Protective Adult Self: A state
of mind that can competently
protect a loved one
48
Client Preparation
1. Orient to Nurturing & Protective Adult Self

They are not superhuman

They have needs

They are imperfect

They are vulnerable

They can experience the full range of emotions
49
Client Preparation
1. Orient to Nurturing & Protective Adult Self

They can

meet their own needs

regulate their own emotions

manage their own vulnerabilities

learn and grow from their mistakes
50
Client Preparation
1. Orient to Nurturing & Protective Adult Self

Two guided meditations are used to connect
to these Resources

Both are based on a single list of 24 caregiver
skills and traits
51
Client Preparation
The List of Caregiver Skills & Traits












Empathic
Compassionate
Understanding
Accepting
Patient
Nurturing
Warm
Open
Able to attune
Good at listening
Good with boundaries
Reliable












Trustworthy
Confident
Respectful
Appropriately responsible
Problem-solver
Action-taker
Decision-maker
Logical
Strong
Courageous
Protective
Grounded/Centered
52
Client Preparation
1. Orient to Nurturing & Protective Adult Self


The Nurturing Adult Self meditation

begins with the most nurturing traits

ends with the protective traits
The Protective Adult Self meditation

begins with the most protective traits

ends with the nurturing traits
53
Client Preparation
1. Orient to Spiritual Core Self

Considered the core of
one’s being

Some call it the soul

May have existed before
the body arrived

May exist after the body dies
54
Client Preparation
1. Orient to Spiritual Core Self

May be experienced during

Meditation, prayer, or yoga

Peak spiritual experience

Near-death experience

Moment of clarity while
connecting to nature
55
Client Preparation
1. Orient to Spiritual Core Self

A sense of interconnectedness to all beings

A sense of completeness and wholeness

A sense of safety and invulnerability

No ego, no struggles

No desires or aversions

Unconditional, effortless kindness and compassion

Timeless, cosmic wisdom, and understanding
56
Client Preparation
1. Orient to Spiritual Core Self

Not necessary to

be religious or

have faith in God

Not a higher power

Part of self that resonates
with love from a higher
power
57
Client Preparation
1. Orient to Spiritual Core Self

Not just a feel-good state of mind

Transcendent state that’s unwoundable

A place of inner peace in spite of life’s struggles
58
Client Preparation
1. Orient to Spiritual Core Self


Some are averse to anything “spiritual”

Atheists

Unresolved religious wounds
Several meditations - only one uses the
word spiritual
59
Client Preparation
2. Finding the Anchors

An anchor is a positive personal experience

Connects client to a Resource state of mind

Reflect on anchor experiences during meditations

This facilitates the connection to each Resource
60
Client Preparation
2. Anchor for Nurturing & Protective Adult Self

Discuss special experiences
of competently caring for

A child

A pet

Plants

The elderly
61
Client Preparation
2. Anchor for Nurturing & Protective Adult Self

A familiar relationship or event when caregiver
skills are (or were)

naturally, effortlessly, appropriately applied

at the same time

while in an adult state of mind
62
Client Preparation
2. Anchor for Nurturing & Protective Adult Self

With that in mind, have client look at
skill list

Is there a skill on list not present in this
relationship/event?

If so, discuss it
63
Client Preparation
2. Anchor for Spiritual Core Self

Invite clients to discuss a
peak spiritual experience

Meditation

Yoga

Prayer

Nature
64
Client Preparation
2. Anchor for Spiritual Core Self

Good anchor is not just a feel-good experience

Should evoke a spiritual state of mind (list)

Most will have an anchoring experience

Some will not
65
Client Preparation
3. Prepare Clients for Potential Blocks


It helps to prepare clients for

for potential blocks that might arise

to process authentically
Here are sample scripts for that
66
Client Preparation
3. Prepare Clients for Potential Blocks
Sometimes while connecting to Resources, concerns or
fears about the processing will arise. Unconscious fears
may be expressed by the sudden arrival of a body
disturbance such as unpleasant sensations, dissociation,
distracting thoughts, numbness, or sleepiness. That may
or may not happen to you, but if it does, please tell me
about it, even if it doesn’t seem important. You’re
welcome to have concerns or fears – just let me know if
they come up. I’ll want to address them right away.
67
Client Preparation
3. Prepare Clients for Authentic Processing
Be sure to tell me about whatever comes up, even if
you think its wrong – even if you’re confused. It might
not make sense to you, but it might make sense to
me. If it doesn’t – together we’ll figure it out.
We will not successfully complete this protocol if we do
this over unexpressed fears or concerns, or if you
don’t authentically disclose what’s coming up.
68
Questions?
69
This Presentation
DNMS Overview
RDP Introduction
Client Preparation
Resource Mobilization
Provisional Resources
RDP Complications
DNMS Training
70
Resource Mobilization
Guided Meditations

Start with easiest Resource to connect to

Check for blocks
When you think about beginning the
meditation to connect you to your _____
now, what do you notice in your body?

Investigate any disturbances reported
71
Resource Mobilization
Guided Meditations

DNMS model contains special protocols for
identifying and clearing blocks

Clear any blocks that are found

Then ask again…
When you think about beginning the meditation…

When clear, begin the meditation
72
Resource Mobilization
NAS & PAS Meditations

Focus on competent
caregiving experience

Then read meditation once
– without ABS
73
Resource Mobilization
Nurturing Adult Self Meditation
Think about _________ as I name each skill on the
list. Nod or say “yes” with each skill you know you
have. Stop me if I name a skill you believe you don’t
have, or if you feel any discomfort that suggests a
block is arising. Close your eyes (if that’s
comfortable) and take a deep breath. Now get in
touch with the following skills and traits, which you
already have, including your ability to be empathic…
compassionate… understanding… accepting… patient…
74
Resource Mobilization
Nurturing Adult Self Meditation
nurturing… warm… open… able to attune… good at
listening… good with boundaries… reliable…
trustworthy… confident… respectful… appropriately
responsible… problem-solver… action-taker… decisionmaker… logical… strong… courageous… protective…
and grounded. Now, bring all these skills together
into a single sense of self, your Nurturing Adult Self,
and when you’re ready, tell me what you notice.
75
Resource Mobilization
Nurturing Adult Self Meditation

If the body feels good, apply ABS

Read list again to let it strengthen

This time not interactive

Afterwards should feel strong and positive
76
Resource Mobilization
Nurturing Adult Self Meditation

Ask about mental picture
of the Resource

Should look like self when
nurturing the cherished
loved one
77
Resource Mobilization
Protective Adult Self Meditation

Follow same steps to mobilize the Protective
Adult Self

Read meditation words in reverse order

Strengthen good feeling with ABS

Ask about a mental picture
78
Resource Mobilization
Spiritual Core Self Meditation


Four meditation options

Regular Spiritual Core Self Meditation

Core Self Meditation

Breath Meditation

List Meditation
If one doesn’t work, try another
79
Resource Mobilization
Spiritual Core Self Meditation

Focus on peak spiritual
experience

Read one of the meditations
– without ABS
80
Resource Mobilization
Regular Spiritual Core Self Meditation
Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Think about
your ____________ experience. Now get in touch with
the center of your being… that place within you that’s
quiet… peaceful… and still. And in this place… it’s possible
you’ll connect to your Spiritual Core. Your Spiritual
Core has been with you from the beginning… it’s the
essence of who you are… your core of goodness. Pure…
resilient… and whole. And your body knows exactly how
to connect you. Notice as you connect to this part of you,
and when you’re ready, tell me what you notice.
81
Resource Mobilization
The Core Self Meditation
Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Think about
your ____________ experience. Now get in touch with
the center of your being… that place within you that’s
quiet… peaceful… and still. And in this place… it’s possible
you’ll connect to your Core Self. Your Core Self has
been with you from the beginning… it’s the essence of
who you are… your core of goodness. Pure… resilient…
and whole. And your body knows exactly how to connect
you. Notice as you connect to this part of you, and when
you’re ready, tell me what you notice.
82
Resource Mobilization
The Breath Meditation
There is a place inside you that’s quiet, peaceful, and
still. It's always been there and you can get there by
simply watching your breath. First, deliberately inhale.
Notice it takes muscle tension to do this. You have to
do a little work to get the air into your lungs. As you
release the air notice that all you have to do is let go.
Just let yourself float down, while the air leaves your
body. Notice how good it feels to just let go. Take
another breath, and again notice that muscle tension
is needed. Then let go, and just float down.
83
Resource Mobilization
The Breath Meditation
Notice that right at the bottom of your breath, right
at the point where you stop exhaling, there is a
moment where nothing is happening. Where all is
quiet, peaceful, and still. As you breathe again,
watch for that point. When you find it, just rest for a
moment or two, quiet and still, not breathing. Notice
what that feels like, what your mind is like - empty
and calm. Now as you breathe, notice you can stay
connected to this calm and quiet place within you.
When you’re ready, tell me what you notice.
84
Resource Mobilization
The List Meditation
Think about your ________ experience. Close
your eyes (if that’s comfortable) and take a deep
breath. Now get in touch with the center of your
being… that place within you that is quiet…
peaceful… and still. And in this place… it’s possible
you’ll connect to a sense of interconnectedness to
all beings… a sense of completeness and
wholeness… of safety and invulnerability.
85
Resource Mobilization
The List Meditation
A place where all things and events are equally
special… a place of no desires or aversions… no
ego or struggles. A place of unconditional
effortless happiness, acceptance. A place of
loving kindness and compassion. Notice as you
connect to this part of you, and when you’re
ready, tell me what you notice.
86
Resource Mobilization
Spiritual Core Self Meditation

If it feels good, apply ABS

Ask about a mental picture

SCS should appear as
luminous energy
87
Resource Mobilization
Mobilizing the Healing Circle

Invite client to bring all three Resources together

Does it feel good?

Can they form team?

Apply ABS
88
Resource Mobilization
Mobilizing the Healing Circle

Then say…
You now have a team of Resources to provide
comfort, reassurance, and soothing. In the
future these Resources will be able to help
wounded child parts get all their needs met and
get completely unstuck from the past.
89
Questions?
90
This Presentation
DNMS Overview
RDP Introduction
Client Preparation
Resource Mobilization
Provisional Resources
RDP Complications
DNMS Training
91
Provisional Resources
What is a Provisional Resource (PR)?

A Resource you can use temporarily, until
your Healing Circle team is established

Not as robust as NAS, PAS, & SCS

Like a spare tire – can carry a light load
92
Provisional Resources
Why Connect to a Provisional Resource?

Some clients encounter deep-seated blocks
when they mobilize these Resources

It helps to have at least one Resource to call
on to help clear such blocks

For example, a NAS can help you clear a
block to connecting to a PAS
93
Provisional Resources
Why Connect to a Provisional Resource?

But client may blocked from connecting to all
three Resources

A PR can help clear those blocks

Usually very easy to connect to
94
Provisional Resources
Connecting to Provisional Resources

Can be drawn from experiences with any entity
perceived as supportive and kind

Self

Other

Real

Imaginary
95
Provisional Resources
Connecting to Provisional Resources

A personal experience
of nurturing

a child

a pet

a helpless adult
96
Provisional Resources
Connecting to Provisional Resources

Experience of being supported by:

someone nurturing

a deceased loved one

a spirit guide

a fictional character

a mythical archetype

a religious figure
97
Provisional Resources
Examples of Provisional Resources
Based on Self

Margie was very attached to
he niece. She’ll read to her,
play with her, and cuddle her

PR = Aunt Margie
98
Provisional Resources
Examples of Provisional Resources
Based on Real Other

Sue spent a lot of time at Ann’s
home. Ann’s parents were very
caring and nurturing to her

PR = Ann’s Parents
99
Provisional Resources
Examples of Provisional Resources
Based on Imaginary Other

Missy believes a guardian angel
helped her survive a traumatic
childhood

PR = Childhood Guardian Angel
100
Provisional Resources
Finding Provisional Resources

Invite your client to discuss experiences of

feeling supported by others

being supportive of others

Narrow down to one or more key experiences

Assign Provisional Resource(s) name
101
Provisional Resources
Exercise

Find a partner

Discuss experiences of
 feeling supported by others
 being supportive of others

Identify a Provisional Resource

Give it a name

Time yourself
102
Questions?
103
This Presentation
DNMS Overview
RDP Introduction
Client Preparation
Resource Mobilization
Provisional Resources
RDP Complications
DNMS Training
104
RDP Complications
Definition

A fear, concern, or condition that makes it difficult
for a client to connect to a NAS, PAS, or SCS

Misunderstanding

Blocking introject

Urgent need to do something else
105
RDP Complications
Examples of Misunderstandings

Confusion about words on the list

Must be good at nurturing/protecting all the time

Must be good at nurturing/protecting self

Resources supposed to be superhuman

Wounded parts expecting they’ll have to do the job

Resources will be unkind like others were

Must believe in God to connect to a SCS
106
RDP Complications
Some Beliefs that Signal Blocking Introjects
It’s not safe for me to heal.
I’m not supposed to be happy.
I don’t deserve to be nurtured.
If I connect to Resources I’ll get in trouble.
107
RDP Complications
Old Messages that Signal Blocking Introjects
You’re pure evil.
You’re in trouble now.
You don’t deserve to be nurtured.
Don’t you dare say I traumatized you.
108
RDP Complications
Clearing Introject Blocks

The DNMS has a protocol for
clearing blocks generated by
maladaptive introjects

Switching the Dominance Protocol

Based on two assumptions
You don’t
deserve to be
nurtured
109
RDP Complications
First Assumption

An unwanted behavior, belief, or emotion…

…is fueled by a wounding introject mask
I don’t
deserve to be
nurtured
You don’t
deserve to be
nurtured
110
RDP Complications
Second Assumption

The part wearing it does not
like it, want it, or need it
I don’t
deserve to be
nurtured
I don’t like
this mask!
You don’t
deserve to be
nurtured
111
RDP Complications
The Mask is Dominant
112
RDP Complications
Processing Stalls
I don’t
deserve to be
nurtured
113
RDP Complications
Processing Stalls
114
RDP Complications
Switching the Dominance Protocol Overview
You don’t
deserve to be
nurtured
115
RDP Complications
Switching the Dominance Protocol Overview
116
RDP Complications
Switching the Dominance Protocol Overview
Hey. It’s
not so real.
117
RDP Complications
Switching the Dominance Protocol Overview
Now it has
no animation
at all.
118
RDP Complications
Switching the Dominance Protocol Overview
I’m in
charge now!
119
RDP Complications
Switching the Dominance Protocol Overview
I deserve
to be
nurtured
120
RDP Complications
After Switching the Dominance

Switching the Dominance can
 quiet an introject and
 stop the processing block

Usually just takes a few minutes

Additional interventions are needed
for introjects to heal completely
121
RDP Complications
Urgent Need to Do Something Else

Here and now concern

Client may need to

Discuss a current crisis

Create more rapport with the therapist

Better manage upset parts of self
122
RDP Complications
Resolving Processing Complications

The DNMS book explains exactly how to identify
and resolve RDP complications

Clearing blocks…
 Can be very healing
 Can resolve internal conflicts
 Can be very ego strengthening
 Can lead to better affect management
123
Questions?
124
This Presentation
DNMS Overview
RDP Introduction
Client Preparation
Resource Mobilization
Provisional Resources
RDP Complications
DNMS Training
125
DNMS Training & Support
Three Options for Learning the DNMS

DNMS Book

Home Study Course

Live Training

Get details at www.DNMSInstitute.com
126
DNMS Training & Support
The DNMS Book

Provides background material

Detailed steps for applying all the protocols for
clearing blocks

Appendix has client handouts and therapist
worksheets and forms

Costs $35
127
DNMS Training & Support
The Home Study Course

Seven module slide show (16 hrs)

Colorful, animated, narrated

Includes recordings of real sessions

Study guide with quizzes

20 optional CEs

Costs $375
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DNMS Training & Support
Live Trainings

Part 1

General Background

DNMS Background

Resource Development Protocol

Switching the Dominance Protocol

Overcoming Processing Blocks

Four Days, 32 CEUs available
129
DNMS Training & Support
Live Trainings

Part 2

Attachment Needs Ladder

Conference Room Protocol

Needs Meeting Protocol

Four Days, 32 CEUs
130
DNMS Training & Support
Other Support

DNMS Listserv
 Free with purchase of book
 Over 700 members

Local study group

Group phone consultation

Individual consultation
131
DNMS Training & Support
Published Research


Case studies about the DNMS have been
published in two peer-review journals

The Journal of Trauma and Dissociation

Traumatology
Both articles are available on the DNMS web site
www.dnmsinstitute.com
132
Questions?
133
End of
Slide Show