What is Attachment Focused EMDR?

Are you curious how attachment based therapy and EMDR can intertwine? As an EMDR trained, attachment-based psychotherapist, let me share with you what therapy sessions look like!

When a new client seeks therapy, an attachment-based therapist is going to spend the beginning sessions building rapport, and learning both past and present problems going on in their life. This may include assessing their childhood, learning about their current level of self-worth, any physical or emotional symptoms, and identifying current goals for the future. During the first few sessions, the therapist can provide psychoeducation on EMDR, and offer the client consent if they would like to incorporate it within their sessions. 

If a client consents to utilizing EMDR in sessions, this provides opportunities for the therapist to utilize bilateral stimulations on past or present memories in hopes of alleviating distress from traumatic experiences that also increased low self-worth. This ties in with an attachment-based therapist’s goals of understanding how your view of self has been formed by the experiences and people around you. Incorporating EMDR with an attachment based lens offers opportunities to heal attachment wounds, and work towards building secure, trusting relationships in the future. EMDR is a therapeutic tool, but not required for healing. 

Benefits of EMDR

• Resolution of trauma

• Increased self awareness   

• Improved relationships

• Improved sleep

• Improved self-worth

Ultimately, the effectiveness of Attachment Focused EMDR varies from person to person and provider to provider. Trust your instincts, ask for what you need and stay mindful of your experience during and after EMDR therapy. 

We currently have three therapists practicing EMDR. You can learn about Taylor, Megan or Katie and schedule a consultation here, here, and here.