Are you struggling with emotional pain from past relationships or traumatic experiences? Attachment-Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (AF-EMDR) might be the path to healing you’ve been searching for.
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a therapeutic approach that helps people heal from the emotional distress caused by traumatic events. When something overwhelming happens, our brains sometimes can’t process it properly. Instead of becoming a memory we can reflect on without pain, the traumatic experience stays “stuck,” causing distressing feelings and reactions even long after the event.
Through EMDR therapy, these painful memories are processed in a healthy way using bilateral stimulation, like eye movements, tapping, or sounds. This helps the brain integrate the traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge. EMDR doesn’t erase the memories but changes how you react to them, allowing you to recall past events without intense emotional pain.
What Makes Attachment-Focused EMDR Different?
AF-EMDR zeroes in on traumas that stem from relationships—what therapists call “relational trauma.” This type of trauma happens within the context of important relationships, such as with parents, caregivers, or significant others. It can result from neglect, abuse, or growing up in a dysfunctional family. Even relationships with partners who have issues like substance abuse or personality disorders can lead to relational trauma.
AF-EMDR emphasizes building a strong, trusting relationship between you and your therapist. This safe connection allows you to explore and heal attachment wounds. The therapy focuses on helping you develop new coping skills, learn to manage your emotions better, and rebuild a healthier view of yourself and the world around you.
What to Expect in an AF-EMDR Session
Your journey begins with an initial session where you’ll meet your therapist and discuss what’s been troubling you. This is a safe space to share your story and ask any questions about the therapy process.
In following sessions, you may:
Create a Safe Space: Develop a mental place of calm and security to return to during therapy.
Resource Building: Identify personal strengths and coping strategies.
Process Traumatic Memories: Focus on specific distressing memories and the emotions and sensations that come with them.
Reprocess with Bilateral Stimulation: Use techniques like eye movements or tapping while thinking about traumatic memories to help your brain process them differently.
Strengthen Positive Beliefs: Replace negative thoughts with positive ones about yourself.
Reflect and Close: End each session by returning to your safe space and discussing your experience.
Can AF-EMDR Help Me?
If you’ve experienced trauma within relationships and find that it’s affecting your life, AF-EMDR could be beneficial for you. It’s effective for a range of issues, including:
Depression and low self-esteem
Anxiety and panic attacks
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Feelings of shame or guilt
Difficulty in relationships
Emotional numbness or intense anger
Sleep disturbances
Self-destructive behaviors
Why Choose AF-EMDR?
Proven Effectiveness: Over two million people have found relief through EMDR therapy.
Recommended by Experts: Organizations like the World Health Organization endorse EMDR for treating trauma.
Safe and Non-Invasive: AF-EMDR is a gentle approach that doesn’t require you to relive every detail of your trauma.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
Healing from relational trauma is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. Our therapists are here to provide a compassionate, supportive environment where you can begin to mend and move forward.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you’re ready to heal the trauma affecting your relationship, we’re here to help. Call us at 720-551-4553 for a free 20-minute phone consultation with a marriage specialist. Discover how our Marriage Counseling & Couples Therapy services can support you on your journey to a healthier, happier relationship.
At Self Care Impact Counseling, we envision a new age of counseling for adolescents, adults, couples, and groups that makes a REAL difference, guided by our core values of GROWTH | BALANCE | COMPASSION | INNER HARMONY.