Somatic and Attachment-Focused Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. The creation of EMDR was somewhat serendipitous. Dr. Shapiro made the observation that certain eye movements could reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts under some conditions. While walking in a park, she noticed that her own distressing thoughts were less disturbing when her eyes were moving quickly from side to side. Intrigued by this, she conducted a scientific study with trauma victims and found that their traumatic memories became less distressing when the patients were directed to move their eyes back and forth rapidly. This was the birth of EMDR. The therapy was initially designed to help people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly those who had experienced severe trauma such as rape, child abuse, or a violent attack. However, it has since been found to be effective for a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and panic disorders.

The Roots of EMDR

EMDR therapy is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which posits that health and wellbeing depend on the successful processing of life experiences. When a traumatic or very distressing experience occurs, it can overwhelm normal cognitive and neurological coping mechanisms, leading to the experience being stored in an isolated memory network. The goal of EMDR therapy is to process these distressing memories, reducing their long-term impact and helping individuals develop more adaptive coping mechanisms. This is done in a structured, eight-phase approach that includes having the patient recall distressing images while receiving one of several types of bilateral sensory input, including side to side eye movements. EMDR therapy has been extensively researched and is now recognized as an effective form of trauma treatment in numerous practice guidelines worldwide.

The Power of EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a structured therapy that has been extensively researched and proven to be effective in helping people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. The therapy involves the patient focusing briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements). This process is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. EMDR therapy has shown positive clinical outcomes in treating disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences. In fact, EMDR therapy has even been found to be superior to Prozac in trauma treatment.

The Reputation of EMDR

The effectiveness of EMDR therapy is recognized by many national and international organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the U.K. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs/Dept. of Defense, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the World Health Organization. Since 2016, more than 7 million people have been successfully treated with EMDR therapy by 110,000 therapists in 130 countries. However, the specific effectiveness of EMDR can vary depending on the individual and the nature of the trauma or distress they are experiencing.

The Addition of SAFE

SAFE EMDR is an adaptation of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which is a therapeutic technique used to address trauma and related issues. SAFE EMDR incorporates a somatic (body-based) and attachment-focused approach into the EMDR framework. The somatic aspect refers to the recognition that trauma and other emotional experiences are stored not only in the mind but also in the body. SAFE EMDR acknowledges the importance of attending to bodily sensations, movements, and patterns during the therapeutic process. By incorporating somatic interventions, SAFE EMDR aims to enhance the integration of mind and body in the healing process.

The attachment-focused aspect recognizes the impact of early attachment experiences on an individual's development and functioning. SAFE EMDR acknowledges that disruptions in early attachment relationships can contribute to the development of trauma and related symptoms. Therefore, this approach emphasizes the exploration and healing of attachment-related issues as part of the EMDR process.

In summary, Somatic Attachment-Focused EMDR (SAFE EMDR) combines the principles of EMDR with a focus on somatic (body-based) interventions and attachment theory. By addressing both the mind and body, as well as attachment-related issues, SAFE EMDR aims to support individuals in healing from trauma and related difficulties.