The therapeutic relationship in EMDR therapy: Building connection, understanding, and trust

In this presentation, Liam Spicer will discuss the core role of the therapeutic relationship in EMDR therapy. Based on the Adaptive Information Processing Model (Shapiro, 2001), there will be a focus on how the therapy relationship in and of itself can help build adaptive memory networks (Shapiro and Laliotis, 2017). The presentation will focus on how the therapy relationship can be employed to assist with blocks, barriers, and defences with all clinical presentations highlighting with greater complexity comes greater need for a solid relationship built on trust, safety, connection, and genuineness. In this discussion, Liam will lend on integrative frameworks such as Interpersonal Neurobiology, Attachment Theory, Polyvagal Theory, and importantly the AIP model. It will also discuss how the therapy relationship can be strengthened and maintained throughout all 8 phases of EMDR, assisting the client with ensuring their needs are being met within treatment. Recent EMDR peer reviewed articles by Piedfort-Marin (2018) and Hase and Brisch (2022) will be discussed, highlighting key therapeutic processes such as transference, counter transference, and attachment through an EMDR lens. Liam will present some of his own research on managing our own therapist activation, the relationship between therapist confidence and outcomes, and also research with suicide bereavement survivors demonstrating the importance of key principles such as feeling understood. Liam will also touch on creative and evidenced based practices such as therapist rotation and intensive EMDR treatments, discussing how the central tenets of safety and collaboration can extend beyond the dyadic. Lastly, therapist communication styles, individual differences such as being neurodivergent, cultural differences, therapy room set up, and other components of therapeutic rapport and delivery will be discussed.

Conference

English

Liam Spicer

Spicer, L. (2024, May). The therapeutic relationship in EMDR therapy: Building connection, understanding, and trust. Presentation at the EMDRAA Conference, Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia