Attachment Integrated EMDR
Eye movement desensitising and reprocessing - Parts Work and Attachment
EMDR is a powerful but gentle tool that helps to rewire our body’s response to ‘triggers’. Its a safe way to help shift your perspective and heal past trauma so that you can live a better life today.
An overview
How does EMDR work?
EMDR Therapy is believed to disrupt working memory and mimic the natural memory processing characteristics of sleep and the mind heals itself naturally in the same way that the body does. Much of our natural coping mechanisms occur during sleep, particularly during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the ‘dream stage’ of sleep.
However, when we experience a traumatic, confusing or overwhelming event, our brain’s processing system is unable to integrate the event and it gets stuck and remains ‘locked’ into the nervous system. Distressing events intrude in our daily life and may be particularly noticeable in relationships. We may feel like the event is ‘re-experienced’ because the images and feelings are unprocessed and, therefore, unchanged. Our psyche tries to keep us safe by recalling the unprocessed event in the current interaction and we become “triggered”. Our body and mind are naturally responding like a distress alarm, calling our attention via distress symptoms in the body (flight, flight, freeze, fawn) and negative or intrusive thoughts about ourself or our partner.
This is where EMDR can help the body to release and process the symptoms.
When traumatic memories have been desensitised and reprocessed, they no longer have the same negative physiological impact. Memories typically become less vivid and upsetting, intrusive symptoms such as reactivity, hypersensitivity and flashbacks can reduce or cease, and more adaptive beliefs about yourself and your partner can emerge. Resulting in improved relationship with yourself and those around you.
Parts integrated Attachment - Informed EMDR therapy
Parts integrated Attachment – Informed EMDR therapy focusses on three time periods: the past, present, and future. Focus is given to healing past disturbing relational memories and events. It is also given to current events and/ or situations that cause distress, and to developing the skills and wisdom needed for positive future actions.
Traditional EMDR therapy is based on an eight-phase treatment approach, parts work and attachment informed EMDR embody these phases and integrate the newest neuroscience of healing processes and protocols.
Phase 1:
History-taking session(s). The therapist assesses the client’s readiness and develops a treatment plan. The client identifies possible events/ experiences for EMDR processing. These may include distressing memories and current situations that cause a heightened emotional response. Other targets may include related incidents in the past. The development of specific skills and behaviours that will be resourced by the client in future situations.
Phase 2:
Resourcing- the therapist ensures that the client has several different ways of coping with their emotional responses. The therapist may teach the client a variety of imagery and stress reduction techniques the client can use during and between sessions. A goal of EMDR therapy is to produce rapid and effective change while the client maintains equilibrium during and between sessions.
Phases 3-6:
Target assessment – a target is identified and processed using EMDR therapy procedures. These involve the client identifying three things:
– The vivid visual image related to the memory
– A negative belief about self
– Related emotions and body sensations.
The client also identifies a preferred belief.
EMDR processing involves using sets of bilateral stimulation. These sets may include eye movements, taps, or tones. The type and length of these sets is different for each client.
Phase 7:
Closure – you are encouraged to keep a log during the week to document any shifts and new awarenesses that may arise. The space between sessions supports self-soothing and nervous system care practices to deepen the work and enable new neural pathways to flourish into mindset and practices. the log helps to track further work to be processed.
Phase 8:
Phase eight consists of examining the progress made. The EMDR treatment processes all related historical events, current incidents that elicit distress, and future events that will require different responses.
What are the symptoms that can be helped by EMDR?
- High anxiety
- emotional reactivitity
- building relationship with your (personality) parts and undersand their origin story and gain deep self-empathy for lasting change.
- lack of motivation
- depression
- trauma, past or present anxiety for future events.
- intrusive feelings/ memories
- emotions such as guilt, shame and confusion may be targeted
- Difficulty in trusting others
- Relationship challenges
- Helping you to overcome one or more fears that you dread.
Why EMDR might be right for you
EMDR can help you to see things from a different perspective, making you more aware of what things are a real threat to you, versus thoughts that amount to simply your mind’s worries repeating in your head. It allows you to heal the emotions of the past.
EMDR may help you to come to terms with thoughts and feelings from your past that you may not have fully processed. The EMDR sessions help bring core issues to the surface to allow your brain to processes them in a calm, natural, healthy way. Moving through feelings with EMDR helps you to process them and to heal.
There are many life experiences that can be transformed with EMDR with positive outcomes that are unique to each individual and this can change your life in a very positive, lasting way.
T&Cs, Fees for sessions & Cancellation Policy is available here.
How we can work together
Discovery call
Confidential Consultation call - free 15 minute discovery call to discuss your needs for our work together. All new clients schedule a call at a time that suits you best to book in your future therapy sessions.
Intensive Sessions
Therapy tailored to your individual and/ or couple needs. Longer sessions or intensive blocks of therapy enable real relational traction for change and understanding. You get to design your relationship for the future.
Face to Face
Sessions are offered online and face to face. Distance is no barrier for counselling. We have a holistic approach to the work, where you bring all of you to the sessions either face to face or via secure online video link.