Month: July 2024

Roger Solomon, a master trainer and clinician with extensive expertise in grief and mourning, granted his permission to share highlights from a past workshop  to further educate EMDR clinicians in this critical presenting issue.  Highlights  Roger underscored the profound impact of EMDR therapy in addressing long-standing grief, showcasing significant healing within even initial sessions. Deep […]

Therapists can gain immensely from their own therapy experiences, learning many of the same lessons as their clients if they engage deeply and genuinely. This personal involvement can enhance their empathy and understanding, proving essential for professional growth. For therapists, particularly, personal therapy can be a space to navigate their vulnerabilities and self-criticisms, which are […]

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its variant, Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), present significant challenges in mental health due to the complex interplay between memory, perception, and emotional responses. These disorders impact not only the individuals experiencing them but also those around them. C-PTSD often arises from severe and repeated trauma, potentially leading to dissociation—a form of […]

EMDR is gaining recognition for its effectiveness in treating unresolved trauma that manifests as anger and explosiveness, often linked to Intermittent Explosive Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Traditional talk therapies may not fully address the deep-seated emotions and bodily sensations tied to negative thoughts stemming from early, preverbal life events that are thought to […]

Joyce Andresen, LISW, EMDR Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant, Andresen Counseling and Consulting, LLC  in Waterloo,Iowa shares her application of material from Van Der Kolk’s book, The Body Keeps the Score.  She particularly utilizes this with clients who believe they have no childhood trauma, minimize or deny the impact, and lack understanding of how the […]

The EMDR Drawing Protocol with Children Shanon Claussen, LISW RTP-S AC is an experienced  EMDR therapist, experienced supervisor and Approved Consultant whose expertise with EMDR with children is illustrated here with using the Drawing Protocol to process traumatic memories.  Phase One: Client History This phase involves a standard history-taking approach as outlined in the Adaptive […]

Theraplay® and EMDR Integration  Shanon Claussen, LISW RTP-S AC is an experienced  EMDR therapist, supervisor and Approved Consultant who skillfully integrates Theraplay® with EMDR in her therapeutic practice. Shanon’s innovative approach significantly enhances the therapeutic outcomes for children and adolescents undergoing EMDR therapy. Research and Application of Theraplay® Theraplay® is a therapist-directed play therapy that […]

Bilateral Stimulation Considerations: From Finger Eye Movements to Technology and Other Options Bilateral stimulation (BLS), a core component of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), encompasses various techniques ranging from eye movements and tapping to auditory and tactile tools like headphones and handheld buzzers, often referred to as tappers. Diverse Approaches and Therapist Perspectives The […]

Understanding Trauma through Dr. Bessel Van der Kolk’s The Body Keeps the Score  Dr. Bessel Van der Kolk’s The Body Keeps the Score serves as an invaluable primer on trauma and its physical embodiment, making it an essential resource for anyone involved in trauma-focused work. As a preeminent neuroscientist, his contributions have significantly shaped our […]

Shapiro’s Challenges to Clinicians Implementing Effective EMDR Therapy Although Dr. Francine Shapiro is no longer with us, her research, writings and insights continue to inspire and educate. Memories  of her impactful EMDRIA conference presentations such as this one (2011) continue to resonate strongly as we navigate the ethical delivery of evidence-based EMDR therapy. Therapist Drift […]