Integration of body awareness in the EMDR preparation phase: An experiential workshop with ready-to-use interventions

Individuals with complex PTSD frequently present with low tolerance for internal sensations and may become easily overwhelmed by their emotional and bodily states. Within EMDR Preparation Phase (Phase 2), strengthening interoceptive awareness and developing greater capacity to tolerate and regulate affect can significantly enhance therapeutic readiness. As clients build these skills, they are better able to remain within their window of tolerance and more effectively restore regulation when arousal escalates. Emerging clinical evidence indicates that integrating interoceptive and body-based practices within EMDR improves outcomes for people with C-PTSD. This presentation examines the role of body awareness in EMDR Preparation Phase, highlighting how cultivating the ability to notice, interpret, and regulate interoceptive signals supports adaptive processing. By integrating top-down understanding with bottom-up awareness of bodily sensations, movement, arousal, and emotion, clients develop a more coherent and resilient response to traumatic material. Manon will explore the theoretical foundations of a bottom-up approach in EMDR and demonstrate practical, body-based interventions that can be incorporated into Phase 2 preparation. Participants will engage in an experiential component designed to illustrate how embodied awareness enhances affect tolerance and contributes to improved EMDR outcomes for individuals with complex trauma.

Conference

English

Manon van der Lee

van der Lee, M. (2026, May). Integration of body awareness in the EMDR preparation phase: An experiential workshop with ready-to-use interventions. Poster presentation at the annual EMDRAA Conference, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia