Starting EMDR therapy reprocessing can be scary. After all, you are typically facing some difficult past experiences in a new way. We’ve heard both EMDR therapists and the public ask how clients can stay hopeful about continuing the work of reprocessing (EMDR phases 4-6) even when it might feel really hard. We reached out to our EMDR Consultants to ask how they might answer this question. EMDR Consultants have been through EMDR training, EMDR Certification, and a Consultant-in-Training process, and offer experience and wisdom valuable to the EMDR community.
*** Alison Acton, LMFT – “In describing the EMDR reprocessing phase, I let clients know that when we reprocess a traumatic memory—often the strong emotions will intensify because to move the memory over in the brain, the emotions need to come up and come out, that this is normal and temporary. I also let them know that usually, by the end of the session, the emotional intensity is greatly reduced; if it is not, we will use already established resourcing to achieve this. When resourcing with clients during the initial phases of EMDR therapy, I explain the context of the resourcing. Earlier in my career, I would have said, “This will help you to calm things down and cope with stress.” Now I will explain how resourcing helps create the ability to contain traumatic material and change the state of your body. This helps the client manage their anxiety and other intense emotions. Ideally, the client will have been practicing the resourcing strategies we have worked on in sessions in between sessions to strengthen them and set themselves up for the best reprocessing experience possible. I invite them to do so. Another strategy I use is telling clients my experience: in my 30-year career as a therapist, EMDR is what I have seen clients obtain the most healing and relief from. That is why I have chosen to use this approach in my private practice.” *** Marlee Bardenett, LCPC, LPC – “This memory is a 10, and the intense feelings will come up, but you are already carrying a 10 around every day. You are already doing the hardest thing!” I also ensure my clients have installed resources to support and soothe them through those intense emotions.” *** Stella Bhagwat Ph.D. – I introduce strategies like those below at relevant places and with sensitivity to whatever is going on during reprocessing. These strategies are apart from the usual “ it’s all in the past,” “you are safe now,” “step on the gas,” train metaphor, and other distancing tips:
“What strategies do you recommend for keeping clients hopeful during the reprocessing phases of EMDR therapy?”
*** Alison Acton, LMFT – “In describing the EMDR reprocessing phase, I let clients know that when we reprocess a traumatic memory—often the strong emotions will intensify because to move the memory over in the brain, the emotions need to come up and come out, that this is normal and temporary. I also let them know that usually, by the end of the session, the emotional intensity is greatly reduced; if it is not, we will use already established resourcing to achieve this. When resourcing with clients during the initial phases of EMDR therapy, I explain the context of the resourcing. Earlier in my career, I would have said, “This will help you to calm things down and cope with stress.” Now I will explain how resourcing helps create the ability to contain traumatic material and change the state of your body. This helps the client manage their anxiety and other intense emotions. Ideally, the client will have been practicing the resourcing strategies we have worked on in sessions in between sessions to strengthen them and set themselves up for the best reprocessing experience possible. I invite them to do so. Another strategy I use is telling clients my experience: in my 30-year career as a therapist, EMDR is what I have seen clients obtain the most healing and relief from. That is why I have chosen to use this approach in my private practice.” *** Marlee Bardenett, LCPC, LPC – “This memory is a 10, and the intense feelings will come up, but you are already carrying a 10 around every day. You are already doing the hardest thing!” I also ensure my clients have installed resources to support and soothe them through those intense emotions.” *** Stella Bhagwat Ph.D. – I introduce strategies like those below at relevant places and with sensitivity to whatever is going on during reprocessing. These strategies are apart from the usual “ it’s all in the past,” “you are safe now,” “step on the gas,” train metaphor, and other distancing tips:
- Remind clients of my presence with soft, empathetic monosyllables to help them keep dual attention.
- If they report anything positive or neutral at any point, I’ll pause and ask them to dwell on the reporting a little more. This strengthens that neural network for later adaptation and helps regulate intense emotions.
- I may try to draw out a quality in them. For example, you endured a lot and are here today, what might that quality be in you? (they might say – resilience, endurance, grit, etc.) “go with that”. If they are unable to see, I’ll gently bring it to their attention. Usually, they tend to agree and are pleasantly surprised, then I anchor it towards the end of the session. It also provides closure to an incomplete target.
- Cognitive Interweave for clients crying: “Everything needs water to grow; imagine yourself growing.”
- Somatic Interweaves: “Stay with your body and stay with your breath.” or “Gently press your spine against the back of your chair, feel yourself supported.”
- Sensory Interweave: “Sense and feel the ground below; feel the earth’s gravitational field grounding and supporting you.”
- Psychoeducation: By providing clear information about EMDR, I help clients understand and normalize their experiences throughout therapy. This knowledge fosters trust and reduces anxiety.
- Assessments: Regular pre-assessments, follow-ups, and post-assessments enable clients to track their progress and gain insights into their symptom changes. This measurable feedback reinforces their awareness and commitment.
- Robust Preparation: I ensure clients are well-prepared with a self-care plan. This preparation helps them manage their emotional states and use their coping tools effectively.
- Empathic Attunement and Rapport: Building a solid therapeutic relationship is vital. By being attuned to my client’s needs and allowing them to set the pace, I create a safe and supportive environment for reprocessing.
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Additional Resources
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- Search for an EMDR Training Provider
- Check out our EMDR Training FAQ
Date
August 23, 2024
Practice & Methods
Your EMDR Practice