Taking EMDR out-of-doors and walls

Francine Shapiro was outside when she started her discovery of EMDR. Using EMDR in the Australian bushland can be an effective way to engage and journey through the 8 phases of EMDR to promote healing. The expansive access to Australian bushland environments provides clients opportunities for EMDR to occur safely and confidentially. Throughout the presentation, case studies will be presented to discuss how the Australian bushland can be integrated into the EMDR standard protocol. The outdoors provides tools for engagement, especially with young people who may need to move or stimulate. Phases of EMDR can be introduced in creative, curious and explorative ways as the Australian bushland provides many metaphoric connections, an opportunity to experientially learn, and gives the therapist an insight into clients’ beliefs as they navigate the land. Throughout the phases of EMDR the Australian bushland can support; resourcing, self-soothing, psychoeducation, grounding through stabilization procedures, orientating to safety, mindfulness, and exercises to support the development of a more adaptive self-attribution. The natural land can be used to explain the three principles of the AIP. Mapping can occur using natural materials and different spaces in the environment to identify different memory networks. As well as eye movements; land features and natural materials can be used for alternate bilateral stimulation. Connection to the environment can enhance the body scan phase as well as reorientating to be fully functional in the present. Utilizing the therapeutic effect of nature, the standard EMDR protocol can be followed indoors or outdoors.

Conference

English

Danielle Schmid

Schmid, D. (2023, May). Taking EMDR out-of-doors and walls. Pre-recorded presentation at the EMDRAA Conference, Melbourne Victoria, Australia