My Journey As An EMDR Therapist

Taking the basic training in 2004, I quickly learned it was only the first step in being able to apply EMDR Therapy to my clients’ presenting issues. At that time, while the EMDR field was growing, there was limited information on Complex and Developmental Trauma, Dissociation, or Trauma Informed Care. Neither did we have the many respected sources of information and expertise in the field of EMDR and trauma that we have today.

After basic training, I took my newly acquired EMDR skills to my clients, many of whom immediately benefited from the use of the EMDR Standard Protocol. As you may know, it is quite amazing to experience the positive and rapid impact that EMDR has on many of our clients! Others with very complex histories and fewer resources had more limited outcomes. My commitment to learning and progressing in the field of EMDR began at that time. I have since been privileged to learn from many recognized experts in the field of EMDR and trauma, and it is important for me to pass it on.

My Focus in Consultation

These are a few areas we will focus on during consultation:

• Case Conceptualization
• Standard Protocol
• Blocked processing, looping
• Selection Criteria for initiating EMDR Therapy
• Dissociation
• Extended Resource Protocols, Alternative EMDR Protocols
• Integration of Other Therapy Models for Complex Cases
• Support for Developing your Personal style as an EMDR Therapist

In addition, consultation will always include a focus on goals and treatment planning. When clients come into therapy with vague or unclear goals, I always make sure that they have a well-developed picture of how they want things to look and feel when therapy is completed. This can only occur thru an understanding of the clients’ history, current functioning and presenting issues, all of which become clear during the Assessment and History-taking phase. (Please see the Case Conceptualization page for more detail about treatment planning).

Please see Case Conceptualization page for more detail about treatment planning →

EMDR Consultation For Integration

As we know with EMDR, fidelity to the Standard Protocol is paramount in order for clients to attain their goals in therapy and experience lasting change. It also helps us feel grounded as EMDR therapists. It is a priority for newly trained clinicians, as well as therapists who have been practicing for years.

At the same time, the trauma field has shown us that flexibility is important if we are going to assist our clients in improving their quality of life and reducing the impact of the often tragic and horrifying events they have experienced. In complex cases, we may need to shift toward the use of alternative EMDR Protocols and toward an integration of EMDR therapy with other models that are trauma informed and blend easily. Once we have incorporated the Standard Protocol into our work and have a clear understanding of its application, this is possible.

When we work together in EMDR Consultation, you will incorporate the Standard Protocol, alternative EMDR protocols, as well as other proven therapeutic approaches as mentioned above in all phases of EMDR therapy. Together we will look at your complex or simple cases, problem solve, and find solutions.