Using EMDR to confront therapeutic avoidance in clients and in ourselves

Client avoidance in EMDR, as in almost all therapies, is one of the most common therapist complaints. Whether it be a failure to follow through and complete agreed upon assignments, or an avoidance of issues and feelings during sessions, avoidance often makes providing effective treatment difficult, if not impossible. Yet it is important to acknowledge, that clients are not the only ones who avoid in the therapeutic relationship. Clinician avoidance is also important to address. Using the Float Forward with Float Back target assessment form (Browning, 1999) and incorporating the important work of Kahneman and Tversky on loss aversion, this workshop will present a systematic process for practitioners to understand and gently confront both client and clinician avoidance. Participants will also create their own Future Template to address either their own and/or their clients' avoidance. Participants will learn this process through lecture, demonstration and, most importantly, in session practice.

Conference

English

William Zangwill
Elizabeth Armstrong

Zangwill, W., & Armstrong, E. (2023, August). Using EMDR to confront therapeutic avoidance in clients and in ourselves. Presentation at the at the 28th EMDR International Association Conference, Arlington, VA