Attachment-informed phase 2 resourcing in EMDR therapy: Relational base-of-sceurity RDI and memory-focused imaginal reparenting

This clinical instruction article examines Phase 2 resource-development procedures by reorganizing elements rather than presenting novel component techniques, clarifying their intended function within the adaptive information processing model.

Resource Abstract

“Clients with histories of chronic or repeated relational trauma may encounter attachment-related threat predictions and limited access to adaptive relational information during EMDR preparation or subsequent target assessment and reprocessing. This Clinical Instruction Article situates 2 Phase 2 resource-development procedures within established Resource Development and Installation (RDI), Dyadic Resourcing, Attachment-Focused EMDR, Imaginal Nurturing, ego-state-informed EMDR, and imagery rescripting traditions. Rather than presenting novel component techniques, the article organizes selected elements into 2 bounded 6-step interventions, specifies formulation-based indications and target-selection criteria, and clarifies their intended function within the adaptive information processing model. Relational Base-of-Security RDI develops a brief real or imaginal experience of protection, attunement, and co-regulation. Memory-Focused Imaginal Reparenting activates a circumscribed relational episode, identifies an unmet need, introduces a protective or nurturing figure, and installs the resulting adaptive meaning as a resource. The second procedure may produce limited memory updating; its use with a Phase 2 resource-development aim rests on its primary objective, constrained associative scope, and endpoint, rather than on an assumption that no memory change occurs. Phase 2 preparation is distinguished from stabilization in the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies phase-oriented sense. Composite vignettes, implementation safeguards, limitations, and research priorities are provided.”

—Description from publisher

Resource Access

Open Access

Tortes Saint-Jammes, J. (2026). Attachment-informed phase 2 resourcing in EMDR therapy: Relational base-of-sceurity RDI and memory-focused imaginal reparenting. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 20, Article 48. https://doi.org/10.34133/jemdr.0048(opens in new tab)