EMDR is a heavily researched, efficacy based, structured approach that helps individuals recover from trauma, PTSD and complex PTSD. Research shows that EMDR is often effective for anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addiction, and other distressing life experiences.

Not only do clients process upsetting memories and sensations, but the eight stages of EMDR allow room for clients to reflect on core attachments and life experiences and develop coping skills, resourcing, and nervous system stabilization strategies as well.

Another benefit of EMDR is that clients do not have to talk about traumatic memories or upsetting events in detail, which for some clients can be destabilizing. EMDR does not necessitate homework, or require clients to actively attempt to “think their way” better.

While EMDR is a structured approach with eight stages, there is nuance, art, and an ability to combine it with other therapies. As I work predominately with clients with complex trauma due to adverse childhood experiences and attachment injury, I love to combine EMDR with an attachment lens (often referred to as attachment-focused EMDR or AF-EMDR), Internal Family Systems informed parts work, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, and somatic-based tools in session.

The benefits of attachment-focused EMDR are that we spend added time developing tools for nervous system regulation and stability. There is a greater focus on fostering a secure base for processing traumatic memories, both in developing internal resources along with a connective, trusting relationship with your therapist.

Some individuals may harbor concerns that EMDR could be overly intense for them. While this apprehension may be valid for certain clients, it is entirely feasible for us to proceed at a pace that feels comfortable, incorporating additional tools for stability. Moreover, we can seamlessly blend EMDR with other therapeutic modalities to address trauma in a more comprehensive manner.”

No human is exactly alike, and therefore, I firmly believe in providing a tailored, integrative therapeutic experience for my clients.

RAPPORT BUILDING

The opening phases of EMDR and trauma treatment involve cultivating a sense of trust, safety, and rapport. It is not uncommon for clients to want to move quickly at the beginning of treatment. This is understandable, given the level of distress and pain they’ve been in. However, in order to honor the nervous system and prioritize safety, we need to move at a measured pace that allows a safe therapeutic relationship to unfold.

HISTORY TAKING & TARGET PLANNING

We will spend time at the beginning of treatment looking at the patterns, emotions, thoughts, and symptoms that are impacting your life. Typically there are memories, relationships, and upsetting experiences that are connected to your symptoms and we will need to spend time connecting these dots. It is important to know that you do not have to verbally talk about upsetting experiences, and many clients choose to use code words rather than retell the story of their trauma, which can be retraumitizing. Some clients experience a lot of catharsis through verbally processing their experiences, however, so clients are encouraged to go where it feels safe.

WHERE DO WE WANT TO MOVE?

Part of preparing for processing is reflecting on what clients long to feel, such as safety, connection, deeper self compassion. We spend time figuring out what thoughts, emotions, and life experiences they want to move towards or install through the EMDR process. We will scan their history to discover moments when they recall having experienced that– even if they were short-lived.

INTEGRATIVE APPROACH

Sometimes during EMDR treatment, clients may experience protective parts or blocks to processing. I usually incorporate parts work or somatic tools to help clients work with these parts so that they can effectively engage in EMDR. Sometimes it’s also meaningful for us to take pitstops along the way of EMDR treatment to engage in other complementary experiential therapies, like Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, IFS/ parts work, and somatic work. There can also be immense value in verbal processing for many clients, reauthoring their stories and making meaning through Narrative Therapy and talk therapy.

COLLABORATION & CHECK-INS

I check-in and collaborate with clients throughout the process, and tailor our work together as needed. Trauma work should be highly tailored and individualized and therefore, every EMDR and therapy sessions looks slightly different depending on the needs of each client. After each processing session we will discuss adjustments that need to happen and adapt when needed.

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RESOURCING

Resourcing is the process of learning and practicing grounding, coping, and stabilization tools before diving into the processing phase of treatment. Clients enter therapy with varying degrees of stability and acuity and resourcing ensures with have some emotional safety nets up. This process usually involves several types of exercises such as guided imagery, breathwork, creating imaginary attachment figures, reflecting on strengths, and aspects of their life that make them feel safe and grounded. As an experiential therapist, you can expect to experience these in session.

PROCESSING

The active processing phase involves us choosing a target, such as an upsetting memory, body sensation, thought, or emotion. We usually begin with less activating targets and engage in more contained and structured EMDR processing sessions to prioritize safety. We then slowly work towards facilitating unrestricted processing when appropriate, where we allow the mind to free associate through connected memories, experiences, or feelings. We process with bilateral stimulation, through either visual, auditory, or sensory means. One of the goals of processing is to learn to tolerate going into painful memories and fully feeling them, while not dysregulating out of window of tolerance. We call this titration, or learning to bounce back and forth between the processing and regaining groundedness.

INSTALLATION

During processing, we will eventually move towards installation, where we work to help the brain envision new possibilities and highlight inner strengths.