EMDR
When traumatic experiences continue to affect the present
You may know that something is in the past, yet still experience strong emotional or physical reactions when something reminds you of it. Certain memories, situations or relationships may trigger fear, shame, anger, helplessness or a sense of being back in the same situation.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapeutic approach that can help process distress associated with traumatic or disturbing experiences.
Preparing for trauma processing
Trauma processing is not something that needs to be rushed.
Before beginning this work, we can develop an understanding of your internal responses, identify what helps you feel grounded and consider whether trauma processing is appropriate for you at that point in therapy.
You don’t need to tell me every detail of what has happened to you. We can begin with what you’re experiencing now and work at a pace that respects your circumstances, readiness and capacity.
Bringing an IFS perspective to EMDR
IFS-informed EMDR brings together EMDR’s structured approach to trauma processing with an understanding of the protective and vulnerable responses that can develop around difficult experiences.
Rather than viewing these responses as problems that need to be changed or removed, we can recognise the role they have played in helping you cope while also attending to the experiences underneath them.
EMDR provides a structured method for processing distressing memories and experiences through bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or sounds. I may incorporate this focused trauma processing when it would be helpful.
It sits alongside the broader therapeutic work rather than replacing the IFS framework.
Processing experiences and unburdening beliefs
Traumatic experiences can become connected with beliefs such as “It was my fault,” “I’m powerless,” “I’m unsafe,” or “I’m not worthy.”
When appropriate, trauma processing can help reduce the emotional intensity associated with experiences and support healthier, more adaptive beliefs about yourself and the present.
Moving forward
The aim is not to erase your history or make difficult experiences insignificant. It’s to reduce the hold that past experiences continue to have on your present life, while supporting a greater sense of safety and choice in the present.
Reach out to explore how therapy like IFS therapy and IFS Informed EMDR therapy in Fremantle, Perth, or online can support your healing journey.
