Phase One: Getting Grounded in History Taking with EMDR
Sep 25, 2023
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The hosts discuss the challenges of adjusting to a new normal after the birth of a baby. They also talk about the disorienting feeling of online meetings and lack of support. The importance of phase one client history and building a strong therapeutic relationship in EMDR therapy is highlighted. Assessing readiness for EMDR therapy and adapting it to meet individual client needs is explored. Being attuned and adaptive in EMDR therapy is emphasized.
01:03:40
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Quick takeaways
Modifications and creativity are essential in EMDR therapy, allowing therapists to adapt the process to suit individual clients.
Assessing reprocessing readiness is crucial in EMDR therapy, considering factors such as mental health, stability, and resources.
A collaborative and creative approach is vital in EMDR therapy, involving resourcing techniques, symbolic processing, and prioritizing the therapeutic relationship.
Deep dives
The importance of modifications and creativity in EMDR
In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the need for modifications and creativity in the practice of EMDR therapy. They emphasize that the basic protocol is a foundation, but therapists should be flexible and adapt the process to suit the individual client. Modifications can include changes to target selection and sequencing, using resourcing as a doorway to trauma processing, and leaning into the therapeutic relationship. The hosts encourage therapists to trust their own creativity and collaborate with their clients to find what works best for them. They also remind listeners that modifications are not failures, but opportunities to learn and adjust. They provide examples of common modifications and highlight the importance of common sense in making decisions about readiness and safety. The hosts stress that EMDR therapy is a relational unfolding that requires patience, collaboration, and a willingness to try new approaches.
The role of assessment for reprocessing readiness
The podcast discusses the role of assessment for reprocessing readiness in EMDR therapy. They emphasize that readiness should be assessed specifically for phase three and phase four of EMDR, which involve selecting and working on specific targets. Factors to consider include past mental health diagnoses, medication use, physical and medical conditions, level of life stability, safety and rapport in the therapeutic relationship, internal and external resources, risk factors, and the degree of known dissociation. The hosts stress that readiness assessment is not about disqualifying clients, but about understanding how fast and deep the therapeutic process can go and making any necessary modifications to ensure safety and effectiveness. They highlight the importance of a collaborative approach and the freedom to adapt the protocol to suit the unique needs of each client.
Creative modifications in EMDR therapy
The hosts discuss the importance of creative modifications in EMDR therapy. They emphasize the need to go beyond the basic protocol and explore different ways of approaching targets and processing trauma. This may involve utilizing resourcing techniques, broadening the definition of what can be targeted, considering symbolic processing, and focusing on relational unfolding. They encourage therapists to trust their own skills and creativity, as well as the collaborative process with their clients. The hosts remind listeners that modifications should be based on careful assessment and a deep understanding of the client's unique needs and capacities. They also highlight the importance of learning from failures and being open to trying new approaches in order to enhance the therapeutic process.
Navigating considerations and modifications in EMDR therapy
The podcast explores the various considerations and modifications that may arise in EMDR therapy. These include addressing medical conditions, neurological impairments, history of dissociation, and other factors that may influence the therapeutic process. The hosts highlight the importance of a collaborative and creative approach in navigating these considerations, working closely with the client and seeking clearance from relevant medical professionals when necessary. They stress the need for common sense and individualized approaches, rather than rigid adherence to a specific set of rules. The hosts remind listeners that modification is often necessary and should be seen as an opportunity for growth and learning. They encourage therapists to trust their instincts, explore different avenues of resourcing and target selection, and prioritize the therapeutic relationship.
The path to mastery and expertise in EMDR therapy
The podcast discusses the journey towards mastery and expertise in EMDR therapy. The hosts highlight the importance of learning the rules and understanding the basic protocol, while also being open to creativity, adaptation, and modification. They encourage therapists to develop their own instincts and trust their judgment when making decisions about readiness, safety, and modifications. The hosts emphasize the need for ongoing learning and collaboration, including becoming a consultant in EMDR therapy to further enhance clinical skills and support others in their EMDR journey. They emphasize the importance of a holistic and collaborative approach, where therapists and clients work together to create a unique and effective therapeutic process.
Listen in to hear Jen, Melissa, and Bridger pick back up their journey through Francine Shapiro's Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy (3rd ed.). In this episode, the hosts begin in chapter four of the book, Client History.
