Attachment Focused EMDR Therapy was originally developed for those who have experienced childhood trauma. It finds and heals the wounded child part that still lives within you so that the past does not continue to affect you in the present. Read more in our blog
Attachment Focused EMDR
Attachment Focused EMDR was originally developed by Dr Laurel Parnell for those who have experienced childhood trauma such as physical abuse, abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. Experiences like this can place a huge amount of stress on the child’s developing brain because not only does the child feel unsafe and insecure, they don’t know what to do with their overwhelming emotions. The child then has no choice but to cope as best as they can. Although these coping strategies would have been adaptive at the time, some of them can lead to difficulties later in life such as anxiety, depression, poor emotion regulation and difficulties forming and maintaining close relationships with others. Some of these symptoms are consistent with Complex PTSD.
It is important to mention that Attachment Focused EMDR is not a whole new EMDR therapy. Rather, it is an adaptation that integrates the principles of attachment theory with the standard EMDR protocol.
What is attachment theory?
Attachment theory, explains how early experiences influence an individual's emotional and relational patterns throughout life. So, if a child was rarely soothed by their caregivers, they may find it difficult to self soothe as adults. Or if a child was abused by someone who was supposed to protect them, then they will find it difficult to trust others as an adult.
What does attachment Focused EMDR therapy look like?
Attachment Focused EMDR focuses on integrating and reprocessing childhood trauma. It finds and heals the wounded child part that still lives within you so that the past does not continue to trigger you and affect you in the present.
The key components of attachment focused EMDR may include:
1. Exploration of childhood trauma and attachment history
2. Targeting specific memories and experiences from childhood that may be contributing to an individual’s distress in the present.
3. Processing traumatic memories using EMDR Therapy
4. Once the childhood trauma has been processed, the individual will have integrated the distressing memories linked with childhood trauma along with the associated emotions. This is where healing can begin.
Overall, attachment focused EMDR Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to healing that considers the interplay between past experiences, attachment patterns, and current functioning. Once the wounded child within you has been rescued and healed, your healthy adult part can takeover. This is the part of you that is capable, strong, and well-functioning.
If you would like to explore whether Attachment Focused EMDR therapy can help, then get in touch with Dr Maria Tucknott today and book an appointment