Enhancing EMDR therapy through a mentalizing and secure-based approach

Mentalization involves a state of mind in which an individual can observe and reflect upon the internal state of self and others with flexibility and lack of judgement. Mentalization naturally enhances clients’ capacity to utilize therapy, including EMDR. Conversely, low capacity for mentalization is associated with rigidity, judgments, defenses, and an inability to reflect upon the inner state of self and others, traits that naturally impede EMDR reprocessing. Research indicates that everyone is vulnerable to a non-mentalizing state when anxious or stressed, and yet, improving clients’ mentalizing capacity requires therapists to retain a mentalizing state for themselves. Participants will develop mentalizing responses to clients’ non-mentalizing words and behaviors during a practicum and will rehearse a self-help modification of an EMDR resource development protocol to assist them with retaining their own mentalizing state during therapy sessions in which they experience heightened anxiety.

Conference

English

Debra Wesselmann
Annie Potter

Wesselmann, D., & Potter, A. (2023, August). Enhancing EMDR therapy through a mentalizing and secure-based approach. Plenary presented at the at the 28th EMDR International Association Conference, Arlington, VA