EMDR Therapy: RESOURCING

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is the most evidence supported treatment for PTSD. EMDR is an information processing model of psychotherapy that follows an 8-Phase approach to treatment. As part of Phase 2: Preparation, EMDR Resources are typically installed and the therapist and client work to facilitate client stabilization, which prepares the client for Phase 3: Assessment and Phase 4: Desensitization. The Desensitization Phase is what people know about when they think of EMDR, it is where bilateral stimulation is applied whether through eye movements, auditory, or tactile techniques.

The client needs to be stable and resourced in the present to be able to connect with a past traumatic target memory. Depending on the client, the Resourcing Phase of EMDR may take one session or years before it would be appropriate to move onto Phase 3: Assessment, and Phase 4 where the bilateral stimulation and reprocessing starts.

The amount of resources available to each client are unlimited. Resources are things that help you regulate or connect to a feeling of safety/calm. Resources draw from client strengths, interests, and positive experiences/associations. For example, petting your cat can be a resource, going on a walk, thinking of how you felt on your grandma’s lap as a child, or imagining yourself on a warm beach. In the EMDR World, there are a few popular Resources: 1) Calm/Safe Place, 2) Container, 3) The Bubble, 4) Butterfly Hug, 5) Protective/Nurturing Figure, and 6) Lightstream. Resources are used in EMDR sessions, and are great tools to use in everyday life!

Curious to understand more about EMDR and learn an EMDR Resource that you can practice at home? Join Cori Hildebrandt, MA, LPC WI, LPCC MN, Certified EMDR Therapist for this workshop, EMDR Therapy: Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, and Resourcing on Thursday, February 22, 2024 from 6-7:30pm at the River Falls High School. Pre-registration is required.