THE TWO HANDED INTERWEAVE IN EMDR THERAPY
Robin Shapiro, LICSW, an esteemed author/trainer in the field of EMDR and trauma therapy, has significantly contributed to the practice with her books EMDR Solutions: Pathways to Healing and its sequel EMDR Solutions II. These resources offer comprehensive insights into EMDR techniques, making them invaluable for both novice and experienced practitioners.
The Two Handed Interweave Technique
In her clinical work, Robin developed the Two Handed Interweave, a powerful intervention for clients experiencing ambivalence or conflicting feelings during EMDR therapy. This technique is featured prominently in Chapter 6 of EMDR Solutions, where she outlines its application across various therapeutic scenarios, including dilemmas about treatment, differing beliefs, and emotional conflicts.
Application of the Technique
The Two Handed Interweave helps clients visualize and manage their ambivalence by placing conflicting ideas or emotions in each hand. This allows clients to engage both sides of their experience actively. Clients are encouraged to feel the weight and substance of each perspective, facilitating a natural progression toward resolution. Typically, this method helps enhance the more adaptive viewpoint while diminishing the distress associated with negative emotions.
Robin instructs clients to “observe with curiosity” what they hold in each hand, allowing their minds to shift focus from one to the other. This is followed by Bilateral Stimulation (BLS), which aids in processing the emotions and beliefs held in each hand, often leading to a resolution of the conflict.
Broader Implications and Uses
This technique parallels the gestalt two-chair method but is adapted for EMDR’s framework, using the brain’s natural processing capabilities enhanced by BLS. It is particularly effective in situations where clients are stuck in a processing phase, unable to move forward due to deeply entrenched ambivalent feelings or when navigating complex emotional landscapes involving past traumas and current self-perceptions.
It is most powerful when clients are ambivalent about a decision they are facing, including whether to do EMDR therapy or not! Ambivalence is rapidly and respectfully resolved by the client’s own brain when using the two handed interweave. It is also useful for the many life decisions facing clients as they continue on their healing journey.
Further Developments
In her later works and workshops, Robin continues to refine and expand on this technique, offering therapists creative ways to apply it in therapy. Her book Easy Ego State Interventions: Strategies for Working with Parts introduces additional variations of the Two Handed Interweave, providing therapists with more tools to tackle client ambivalence and resistance effectively.
Continuing Education and Resources
Robin’s ongoing contributions to psychotherapy include workshops and webinars as well as her most recent book, Doing Psychotherapy: A Trauma and Attachment-informed Approach. Robin’s work continually offers further insights into therapeutic practices against the backdrop of current social and personal crises.
For therapists looking to deepen their understanding of EMDR and enhance their therapeutic toolbox, exploring Robin Shapiro’s work is highly recommended. Her books and training can transform how practitioners approach complex trauma and attachment issues, making a significant impact on therapeutic outcomes. And do not miss any opportunity to take one of her workshops, they are life-changing!
Bonnie Mikelson, LISW
