Some people find their bodies reacting so strongly to difficult interpersonal situations or external events that they seem to lose the ability to be their usually clear-headed adult self. Others struggle to feel calm and secure within relationships or situations that otherwise have proven to be safe. Many times people can’t point to a single incident or situation that created these issues and have tried talk therapy to try to shift patterns of relating, caring for themself, and coping with symptoms with no long-lasting relief.
Attachment-Focused EMDR is a body-based trauma modality developed out of traditional EMDR by Dr. Laurel Parnell that can help relieve the intensity of physical symptoms, create new beliefs about safety and security in the world, and empower individuals to be fully grounded in their wise, powerful adult selves as they move toward their personal goals. Here’s a wonderful podcast episode in which Dr. Parnell explains more about how it differs from traditional EMDR.
I offer this modality as a stand-alone option or an adjunct to talk therapy and appreciate how collaborative, client-centered, and gentle the approach is for my clients. We work together over a series of sessions to help create a body-based sense of calm and security that helps trauma work feel less scary and overwhelming. The beauty of AF-EMDR is how it works within both an inter-relational space (between client and therapist) as well as an intra-relational space (integrating mind and body of the client) to provide healing, empowerment, and relief.
If you’re interested in a free consultation to talk more with me about how AF-EMDR might be helpful for you, let’s get started.
Photo by Emma Gossett
Dr. Miriam Gerber - Licensed Psychologist in Minnesota 