Integrating EMDR into clinical work: When getting started is a problem
Description
Updated May 31, 2004
As EMDR is traditionally taught the components are each described and then combined for the practice sessions. When EMDR is then used with clients it is natural for therapists to expect themselves to apply it as a whole, with the exception of perhaps pairing eye movement with a “safe place” or “resource installation” exercise instead of a trauma processing protocal. For many new EMDR practitioners this is an effective and satisfactory way of introducing EMDR. For many others it does not work as well, for reasons such as differential comfort thresholds in trying a new method with a client, or having no clients who appear to meet the criteria for beginning EMDR. Because, in these, and other situations, it is difficult to bring the whole package to clients at once, the method doesn’t get used, even when the practitioner has had positive experiences in the training sessions.
As EMDR is traditionally taught the components are each described and then combined for the practice sessions. When EMDR is then used with clients it is natural for therapists to expect themselves to apply it as a whole, with the exception of perhaps pairing eye movement with a “safe place” or “resource installation” exercise instead of a trauma processing protocal. For many new EMDR practitioners this is an effective and satisfactory way of introducing EMDR. For many others it does not work as well, for reasons such as differential comfort thresholds in trying a new method with a client, or having no clients who appear to meet the criteria for beginning EMDR. Because, in these, and other situations, it is difficult to bring the whole package to clients at once, the method doesn’t get used, even when the practitioner has had positive experiences in the training sessions.
Format
Newsletter
Language
English
Citation
“Integrating EMDR into clinical work: When getting started is a problem,” Francine Shapiro Library, accessed May 14, 2024, https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/16758.