Attachment-focused
EMDR Therapy: Healing
Wounds of Trauma
Attachment-focused EMDR Therapy:
Healing Wounds
of Trauma
EMDR therapy, specifically Attachment-Focused EMDR (AF-EMDR), offers a groundbreaking approach to addressing and healing relational, acute, and complex trauma. This specialized form of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy incorporates attachment theory principles to target the root causes of attachment difficulties, often stemming from childhood trauma. The difficulties play out differently and significantly impact personal relationships, contributing to depression, anxiety, and a myriad of psychological issues.
The Foundations of EMDR Therapy and Its Application in Attachment Trauma
At the core of AF-EMDR lies the innovative use of bilateral stimulation (BLS) — a hallmark of EMDR eye movement therapy. Through eye movements, auditory tones, or tactile stimulation, BLS facilitates the brain’s healing process, allowing for the integration and recovery from traumatic memories. EMDR therapy treatment extends beyond traditional trauma therapy by focusing on attachment trauma, offering a tailored approach to those with histories of relational difficulties.
The Butterfly Hug’s Embrace
of Change and Comfort
Spoken Founder Elizabeth Hill, MA, LMFT, utilizes tactile stimulation via taps, like the butterfly hug. It involves crossing your arms over your chest and lightly tapping your shoulders alternately, resembling the gentle flapping of a butterfly’s wings. This action can help calm the nervous system.
> Enhancing Therapeutic Relationships through
Attachment-Focused EMDR
What sets AF-EMDR apart is its dedication to mending attachment deficits. This attachment trauma therapy underscores the importance of a secure, therapeutic relationship, adopting a client-centered stance to ensure physical and psychological safety. By addressing and healing childhood wounds with advanced EMDR therapy techniques, therapists can effectively fill developmental gaps and promote emotional regulation.
> The Efficacy of AF-EMDR in Addressing Attachment Trauma
Research into attachment focused EMDR and attachment trauma treatment has shown significant improvements in individuals dealing with attachment issues. This includes better emotional regulation and reduced symptoms related to attachment issues, evidencing AF-EMDR’s effectiveness in creating enduring changes in emotional well-being.
AF-EMDR: A Pathway to Healthier Relationships and Self-Regulation
AF-EMDR therapy is particularly beneficial for those grappling with the effects of relational trauma or attachment difficulties. It provides a comprehensive pathway toward not just coping, but thriving, by addressing the foundational issues of trauma within the safety of a therapeutic setting. This approach aligns with the broader spectrum of trauma therapy, offering hope and healing to those seeking to overcome the challenges of attachment-related trauma.