Using EMDR in couples therapy

Why would you do EMDR, a decidedly individual therapy, with couples? How do you decide with whom to use EMDR? And is there anything besides trauma processing that EMDR brings to conjoint couples therapy?In 8 out of 10 couples sessions, I use the Standard Protocol to clear trauma from inside and outside the relationship and from before and after the couple met. The partners envision and practice new behaviors with the Future Template. Dual Attention Stimulus (DAS) can enhance self-soothing. Additionally, when a partner sees the other partner do EMDR or is seen doing EMDR, differentiation is enhanced in each.

Book Section

English

Robin Shapiro

Shapiro, R. (2005). Using EMDR in couples therapy. In R. Shapiro (Ed.), EMDR solutions: Pathways to healing (pp. 283-292). New York, NY: W W Norton & Co