Building the Bridge from Treatment to Transformation
Relational EMDR Therapy℠ uses the relationship between therapist and client to help those who struggle with low self-esteem, relationships, and self-regulation by actively accompanying them on their journey towards healing. It's a shared experience between therapist and client beyond the resolution of the traumatic memories promoting growth and change. The Self of the therapist plays an integral role in the client's healing journey and is considered an active ingredient in co-creating the conditions that make it possible for our clients to "go there." So the question we pose as Relational EMDR therapists isn't "is the client ready," but, "are we ready to embark on this journey together?"
In more traditional EMDR, our primary objective is to offer symptom relief. For many others, however, they need more. That's where Relational EMDR Therapy℠ comes in. As a Relational EMDR therapist, we focus on helping our clients grow and change into the person they can become so they can learn how to thrive, not just survive.
The Self of the Therapist is Integral to the Client's Journey
EMDR training isn't just about knowing what to do, we have to know how to be. Being present, not just as an observer, but as a witness. Not just as a support, but as co-regulator of the client's experience as they move through the eye of the storm to get to the other side. Not just to lance the wound, but to add the balm that helps the wound heal. It's about being exquisitely attuned to our client's experience, moment to moment, so they have the experience of being with a kind empathic Other, and that they're not alone in the experience as they likely were at the time. Being with them through this healing process requires the very courage we ask our clients to have as they approach this unchartered territory with us. That requires us to bring our highest Self to this work. It's a journey of personal growth for the Relational EMDR therapist that makes it possible for us to "go there," too.