Embracing change:  Incorporating EMDR in clinical practice and systems

EMDR is gaining widespread acceptance as the body of research supporting its efficacy grows. As a result, increasing numbers of patients are requesting EMDR and numerous clinicians are seeking training for themselves and consultation from others for difficult cases. In the process of scientifically establishing EMDR's efficacy, researchers and clinicians are having to change old ways of thinking to accommodate what EMDR is teaching us about how healing occurs. Thomas Kuhn conceptualized this emotional and political aspect of science and resistance to change, as an expectable phenomenon whenever major paradigm shifts occur. Thus, while it is exciting and productive to implement EMDR in our clinical practices, the inevitable disorganization that follows the introduction of a new and profound idea has presented challenges to clinicians, their clients and the many systems involved in the delivery of therapeutic services. This workshop will focus on exploring the shifts that are occurring on many levels and offer practical guidelines for incorporating EMDR into clinical practice and systems. Incorporating EMDR in Clinical Practice: While implementing EMDR can be exciting and productive, it requires notable shifts in the way clinicians work by challenging long-held assumptions about how healing takes place and requiring changes in the systems that support the delivery of therapeutic services. This presentation examines some of the shifts that are required when implementing EMDR, e.g., shifts in the clinician’s assumptions about change, shifts in the therapeutic frame, shifts in relationships with patients, shifts in policies and documentation, etc. The common pitfalls and problems encountered in implementing EMDR will be considered and participants will be encouraged to develop a thoughtful and practical plan for incorporating EMDR into their clinical practices. Incorporating EMDR in Systems: This presentation will help participants develop a plan for implementing EMDR within a system. The system may be an agency, a treatment team, a group of colleagues, or a whole community. The presentation will address the concerns of individuals with a wide variety of roles within a system, especially the concerns of the EMDR-trained clinician who may not be the most influential member of the system. The focus will be on practical solutions for the problems encountered when a system begins to use EMDR. Strategies for reducing resistance and avoiding polarization will be discussed. There will be time for questions and discussion.

Conference

English

Elizabeth Call
Nancy Errebo

Call, E., & Errebo, N. (1997, June). Embracing change: Incorporating EMDR in clinical practice and systems. Presentation at the 2nd EMDR International Association Conference, San Francisco, CA