Notice That

Why Does EMDR Work? A Dive into Network Neuroscience and the Brain’s Healing Potential Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has transformed trauma therapy, but an age-old question lingers: How does it actually work? For decades, the EMDR community has debated this question. Early theories focused on specific brain structures—the hippocampus for memory, the amygdala for fear, the prefrontal cortex for executive control. This modular perspective helped us make sense of a complex process. But neuroscience has evolved, and so has our understanding. In Episode 2 of this mini series, Bridger and Jen explore a paradigm shift—from modular to network neuroscience—and how this broader lens reshapes the way we think about trauma, healing, and EMDR. From Modules to Networks: A Shift in Understanding the Brain Traditionally, neuroscience taught us that individual brain regions had specific jobs. The amygdala processes fear. The hippocampus handles memory. The prefrontal cortex regulates impulses. This modular view isn’t wrong—it’s just incomplete. In reality, the brain functions as a dynamic, interconnected system of networks. Modern neuroscience shows us that even when one area specializes in a task, it does so within a web of relationships. Trauma doesn’t just impact a single region; it disrupts the collaboration between networks. This is where network neuroscience comes in. Instead of asking which part of the brain?, we ask: Which networks are interacting? How are they integrating—or failing to integrate—under stress? How does EMDR facilitate re-integration? Meet the Big Three: Core Brain Networks in Trauma and Healing Research in network neuroscience highlights three large-scale networks that play a crucial role in both trauma and recovery: 1. Salience Network (SN) Function: Detects and filters what’s important—internal sensations, external stimuli, emotional cues—and decides what deserves attention. Trauma Impact: Becomes hypervigilant or shut down, tagging even neutral cues as threats. In EMDR: Helps shift between the past (default mode) and present (executive control). 2. Default Mode Network (DMN) Function: Self-reflection, autobiographical memory, mentalizing (“Who am I? What happened to me?”). Trauma Impact: Loops in shame, rumination, and “frozen” identity narratives. In EMDR: Holds the story of the traumatic experience and the meanings made from it. 3. Central Executive Network (CEN) Function: Working memory, decision-making, regulating attention. Trauma Impact: Goes offline in overwhelm, leaving clients unable to think clearly or plan. In EMDR: Critical for top-down regulation of subcortical processes. These networks don’t operate in isolation—they’re in constant conversation. Trauma disrupts that conversation, leading to disintegration. Healing requires restoring their collaborative flow. How EMDR Works in the Brain: Beyond the Protocol During EMDR, when a traumatic memory is activated (Phase 3) and bilateral stimulation (BLS) is applied, something remarkable happens: The SN flags the traumatic memory as salient—“Pay attention. This matters.” The DMN pulls up self-referential meaning—“This means I’m unsafe/useless/etc.” The CEN is invited back online through dual attention tasks, helping the client hold both the memory and the present moment in awareness. This isn’t just a mechanical process. It’s a forced redistribution of cognitive resources that breaks the brain out of its trauma-locked loop. As Bridger explains: “It’s like unpacking an avalanche—slowly taking out the debris so the mountain can reorganize.” The goal isn’t just to desensitize distress. It’s to help the networks regain their natural flow—so that the body and mind no longer behave as if the trauma is still happening. The Role of Working Memory Theory Working Memory Theory suggests that when we overload the brain’s working memory—by recalling the traumatic memory while engaging in a second task like BLS—the vividness and emotional charge of the memory fade. This theory helps explain why EMDR works, but it’s not the whole story. Strength: Shows how “dual attention” can disrupt trauma loops. Limitation: Doesn’t account for why some clients feel worse after sessions or why deeper transformation requires relational safety. This is why Beyond Healing integrates working memory theory within a larger, network-based, relational perspective. Why Therapists Should Care About Neuroscience Some may wonder: Why bother with all this neuroscience? Isn’t it enough to follow the EMDR protocol? Here’s why it matters: Understanding networks builds confidence in the method. It empowers therapists to adjust their interventions with intention. It helps clinicians see why attunement and resourcing aren’t optional—they’re essential to reintegration. As Jen reflects in the episode: “This shifts us from memorizing a protocol to creatively, relationally helping clients heal.” Key Takeaways for Clinicians EMDR works by regulating relationships between the SN, DMN, and CEN. BLS is more than eye movements—it’s a physiological regulator. Attunement and relational safety are as critical as technical precision. Neuroscience doesn’t limit creativity—it expands it. The post EMDR and the Brain’s Networks: A Conversation about Modern Neuroscience first appeared on Notice That.The post EMDR and the Brain s Networks: A Conversation about Modern Neuroscience appeared first on Notice That.

On this week’s episode, Melissa interviews Katie Asmus of the Somatic Wilderness Therapy Institute. They discuss somatic work, adventure, EMDR and how to wrap it all up in one. Special Guest Katie Asmus  Specializes in somatic psychotherapy  Including EMDR nature-based therapy Mentor, ceremonialist, and rites of passage guide Katie is passionate about teaching people about trauma through a body-centered perspective  Somatic orientation of EMDR While some prefer EMDR, some find it overwhelming  Katie uses her training in somatic therapy to guide her work Using the body as her anchor, she can estimate how present clients are Because when we c

Melissa lays the groundwork for our new segment, Fly on the Wall. Our hope with fly on the wall is to allow you to sit in the chair alongside Melissa, to see the messiest and most beautiful moments between therapist and client. Welcome to Fly on the Wall. Case conceptualization is typically a moment in time, based on what the clinician knows right now. Fly on the wall demonstrates the ongoing, living nature of case conceptualization. We’ll show that by coming back to it regularly.  Theoretically? Conceptually?  We hope to show you the actuality of what it’s like for us to sit in the room with a client.  We’re human, too. Even with all the training and expertise, not every report will be wrapped into a pretty bow, not every session goes well.  Here we’ll demonstrate the moments when things don’t go well and the protocol is completely dropped.  The Relationship Dynamic “I made massive assumptions. And she presented that as an object self to me, of being a “good Christian mother.” but right under that, was a real human being.” To start, this client waited for 18 months to work with Melissa. The work felt pressured. The client comes from a highly religious background and has a daughter that isn’t heterosexual. Melissa, on the other hand, is well… not religious.  Based on SIP, Melissa decided to bring that to the forefront immediately. The client responded very openly, surprising Melissa.  <li style="font-weight: 40

On this week’s episode of Notice That, Bridger interviews special guest, David Archer, an anti-racist EMDR therapist. David Archer, an anti-racist psychotherapist Books “Anti-Racist Psychotherapy: Confronting Systemic Racist and Healing Racial Trauma” “Black Mediation: 10 Practices for Self-Care, Mindfulness, and Self-Determination” Website Anti-Racist Psychotherapy & EMDR Always had an interest in mindfulness meditation  However, as an addictions counselor in a native community, mindfulness alone wasn’t working.  So, after trying other therapies, David eventually found EMDR He appreciated that the approach didn’t require the therapist to be the expert.  Rather, it places therapist and client in an equal partnership Additionally, EMDR doesn’t need to be followed rigidly Allowing for more freedom and creativity. This has resulted in David’s ability to see patterns beyond the individual. Finally, through EMDR, David desires to change the experience of suffering. Anti-Racist Psychotherapy  “Depending on your social identity, you are more likely to have certain types of trauma history items than if you came from a different identity” (23:36) Anti

Listen to this week’s episode of Notice That to hear the hosts discuss how to use EMDR within couples therapy. EMDR & Couples Therapy  Remember, safety remains the most important  It can take longer for us to establish this with multiple people  Especially considering that couples may lack trust with each other It’s important to take the specific situation into account. In other words, is the couple there for marriage counseling or has a client brought in their spouse? Clients sometimes don’t think about the physical vulnerability that they will feel  So it can be helpful to discuss this ahead of time  It can be beneficial to have the partner be part of the processing Additionally, the partner may benefit from seeing their partner in a place of vulnerability and sincerity Rather than seeing them through hurt and fear from their conflicts  Sometimes it can be messy and painful, but it is real  It can be very helpful for both partners to share their experiences and receive insight Traditionally, the goal of couple’s therapy is to keep the couple together <span style="font-w

On this episode, Melissa interviews Mary Horne. Mary is a private practitioner in Arkansas where she utilizes yoga and EMDR with clients. Mary Horne Tribe Psychotherapy, Yoga & Wellness Faculty at the Circle Yoga Shala Interested in a consult with Mary? Reach out to her at [email protected] Trauma-Informed Yoga Creates templates for relaxation and relationship with the body. Also, helps to discover what our nervous system is capable of doing. Often, traumatized individuals come in in a sympathetic state. With a desire to push themselves physically. However, their body needs rest and permission to go into a ventral state. We can help them achieve this by first colluding with the strategy and then encouraging slower movement. Learn about the doshas (17:46) Importantly, always do the movements with your client. EMDR, Yoga, Movement Thankfully, using yoga with clients doesn’t require a large spac

On this week’s episode of Notice That, Jen interviews the creators of Sero stones, Ciaran Murphy and Tyler Beaty. Show notes coming soon! In the meantime Check out Sero’s website here! Give Sero your insight and feedback. Pre-Order Now!  Did you know?  After full completion of Beyond Healing Institute’s Somatic Integration and Processing training, each participant can receive 21 NBCC hours.  Beyond Healing Center Visit our website for all things BHC Contact us about retreats and therapy  Contact us about training and consultation Beyond Healing Media First, listen to our past episodes of NT here Then, check out more Beyond Healing podcasts Evidence-Based Therapist – where we read so you don’t have to! Beyond Trauma – geared towards clients Burnt Out Educator – An interview-style podcast for educators and students

On today’s episode of Notice That, Jen and Bridger discuss parent/child attachment and EMDR. Importance of the First Relationship We rely on intimate relationships for our development. Simply, the first relationship establishes the templates by which you will develop for the rest of your life.  We alter ourselves in response to the way needs were met. This is the underpinnings of all disorders. Importantly, this isn’t just occurring in abusive families. Rather, it’s human nature.  “Personality is a response of behaviors that are seeking to maintain the homeostasis established in the dynamic between the parent-child first relationship.” Attachment & Ruptures It’s unrealistic to expect no ruptures. Instead, focus on repairing those ruptures. In fact, it’s through the repair we grow. Thankfully, repairing ruptures can be done without the other person. “When we’re working with somebody in the room, we’re not just working with them. We’re working with all the relational templates they’ve gathered.” EMDR & Attachment Work Always orient back to early attachment relationships</sp

Welcome our special guest, Jackie Flynn! Jackie and the hosts discuss the integration of polyvagal theory, EMDR, and play therapy. Jackie Flynn EMDRIA approved consultant  Registered Play Therapist and trainer for the Association for Play Therapy Advanced training provider Check out her trainings here!  Listen to her Play Therapy podcast here! Polyvagal Theory & EMDR Before learning about polyvagal theory, Jackie describes being rigid in therapy. Her deep desire to provide therapy with fidelity, kept her tied to protocols.  Since integrating polyvagal theory, Jackie has gained confidence in her intuition during sessions. A significant difference lies in the way she gathers and processes targets. Before, she and the client would talk about what happened, the specifics of the event. Now, the way their auton

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The hosts of Notice That – An EMDR Podcast reflect on how far the show has come and share their intention for the upcoming season. Notice That: An Origin Story “Just so you know, I don’t say I’m going to do something and then not do it.”  Long, long ago, Melissa and Jen were strangers working in private practices of their own. During Melissa’s Year of Yes, Jen and Melissa serendipitously ended up on a 10-hour drive to an EMDRIA conference.  Connected through their love of EMDR, standing on soapboxes, and a single mutual friend, they talked the entire trip. Unfortunately, during the conference, Melissa became ill.  If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and just go listen to this story (8:21) On the trip home, Jen and Melissa planned their new podcast, Notice That.  Three months later, they released their first episodes.  Now, we’re 69 episodes in and everything looks different. Introducing an Additional Host First, Melissa and Bridger cultivated a friendship at Evangel University  They spent every opportunity talking about Polyvagal theory So, when Melissa invited Bridger to interview with Notice That, he excitedly agreed.  After the PVT episode, Bridger never really left. <span style="font-weight: 400

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Melissa, Bridger, & Caleb discuss a case through Somatic Integration & Processing. Interested in case conceptualization? Check out the show notes for more info! Case Conceptualization through the Somatic Integration and Processing (SIP) lens.  Below you’ll find a loose outline of the case. While you listen, see if you can identify the SIP components. Spend a moment to reflect on how you would conceptualize the case. Interested in case conceptualization consultation? E-mail us! [email protected] “Any change made out of a lack of safety is just going to be a strategy that’s separate from the rest of the person” (21:36). The Referral  Melissa referred this client to Caleb because she knew: The client would need a tremendous amount of relational safety before any kind of openness was going to occur. Additionally, the client has landmines around strong, pushy personalities and being put on the spot Caleb is a 9 on the enneagram He is comfortable with slow, soft conversation Finally, he’s able to observe from a place of genuine curiosity. Demographics & Presenting Problem 14-year-old female Selective mutism <

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Welcome to Season Two! Listen to Notice That’s first episode of 2022 to hear the hosts discuss neurodevelopment, attachment, and the information processing system. Listen to Episode 65: Human As Organism first for a better understanding of today’s topic, attachment and neurodevelopment.  Nature & Nurture The building blocks of life are begun in utero Bridger’s house metaphor (6:58 & 27:53) First understand, what goes into the foundation provides the stability for later structures. In other words, the experiences a client has in utero and early stages of development literally stack and connect brain structures. This organization contributes to the overall global appraisal of the core self. The answer to the question “who am I?” is a reflection of how interconnected the brain is. We create internalized representations of our environment, including the people that we’re in relationship with. Importantly, it’s not just about how much a parent loves their child (Start the conversation here for a more thorough explanation 30:17). Information Processing System “The way in which our lived experience shapes that information processing system, and the struc

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Listen to this week’s repost to reminisce on Bridger’s first episode on Notice That and learn (or relearn) about Polyvagal Theory. In this episode, Jen and Melissa introduce a new therapist from Beyond Healing Center and discuss a foundational theory in the development of Somatic Information Processing, a model of therapy synthesized and created by Beyond Healing Center. Topics covered in the episode include:    Three components of Polyvagal Theory (PVT): 1) Autonomic Hierarchy – Ventral Vagal (or social engagement) – Sympathetic Activation (flight and fight) – Dorsal Vagal Shutdown (freeze – immobilization with fear) 2) Neuroception – Interoception – Exteroception 3) Co-Regulation – Importance of therapists’ awareness of their role in this   The shift between states is based on both heart rate variability (HRV) and the individual vagal break which are both shaped by impactful experiences over the course of our lifetime including early attachment figures and various traumas. Similarly, we can reshape the nervous system through correcting faulty neuroception and going back to the forming events in therapy.     Resources: Babette Rothschild The Body Remembers https://www.amazon.com/Body-Remembers-Psychophysiology-Treatment-Professional/dp/0393703274 Bessel Van der Kolk The Body Keeps the Score <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Body-K

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(Repost) The hosts discuss their case conceptualization model, Somatic Integration and Processing. *21 NBCC hours available upon completion of the training! What’s Somatic Integration and Processing (SIP)? A case conceptualization model that seeks to inform the how, why, and way a therapist interacts with clients. Uniquely, SIP calls attention to the intersubjective space between therapist and client. When two or more humans come together they create a unique third, this is the intersubjective space. Notably, this space is in every situation, including therapy.  While traditional graduate training refers to this space as “transference” or “countertransference” that needs to be avoided,  SIP argues that it’s impossible to avoid entirely and in attempting to do so we lose out on information. What Somatic Integration and Processing (SIP) isn’t A therapy modality,  Nor a history collection method, and it’s not just treatment planning. What Somatic Integration and Processing (SIP) has to offer One, case conceptualization in a way that guides how to gather and organize information in a way that makes meaning of it. <li style="font-

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May your holidays be beyond bright! Have a Beyond Bright Holiday! Jen & Bridger talk about the upcoming re-release schedule for December and what to expect from Beyond Healing Media in 2022. Stay tuned to the very end of the message for some humanness between Jen & Bridger. Don’t forget to contact us with feedback and/or questions. May your holidays be beyond bright! Resource Links Visit our website for all things BHC Give your support and gain access to exclusive content through Patreon Contact us about retreats and therapy  Contact us about training and consultation Need more content? First, listen to our past episodes of NT  here Then, check out more Beyond Healing podcasts Evidence Based Therapist – where we read so you don’t have to! Beyond Trauma – geared towards clients Burnt Out Educator (coming soon!) The post <a r

Listen to hear Melissa, Jen, and Bridger discuss what human as organism means and the value of with your clients on this week’s episode of Notice That. Human as Organism “We are rooted in a biological body with bones and cells, flesh and tissue, blood and heart rates, without that contextualization, we cannot hope to understand everything else that we’re looking at” (16:14). We’re not just a brain on a stick with various symptoms that originate from our thoughts and intellect. Contextualizing individuals in this way shows what it means to live a human existence and have human experiences All human experiences are a cyclical process between mental, biological, physiological, and spiritual processes.  Therefore, to separate any of that dilutes our understanding to a point of futility.  Additionally, we are not single humans roaming the earth, we belong to cultures. And you can’t fully understand an individual without looking at the context in which they experience life. Client ‘Resistance’ from a Biological Perspective We are oriented around survival and homeostasis is crucial to our survival. Our selfhood is developed in order to be a stable reference point to help create homeostasis. Further, in order to interact with a chaotic environment, we have to have a stable self. <li style="font-weight

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Listen to hear the senior clinicians at BHC discuss theory creation and Beyond Healing Institute. Feeling inspired? Reach out today to discuss your ideas and perspective! “We have to understand theory as an ever-evolving myth of humanity” (22:08). Beyond Healing Institute (BHI) & Theory Creation “The institute feels like it’s one of science, story, friendship, and healing” (7:02). Our trainings aim to equip therapists to practice psychotherapy and create a community with a variety of healers. You don’t need to know the most cutting-edge research or jargon. Instead, if you’re interested in joining the discussion, come as a subject, and let’s make meaning together. BHI focuses on the synthesis of diverse perspectives. We strive to create an opportunity for people like you to feel invited to start experimenting with lending your voice. The BHI Perspective on Theory “If we get so rigid and strict on one specific theory or theorist, how much are we limiting ourselves in experiencing the community” (17:25)? This perspective on theory is likely not what you were taught in college. Most of us are taught to engage with research as if it is the truth. <span

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Listen in to learn how Melissa, Jen, and Bridger conceptualize the adaptive information processing model. Adaptive Information Processing: The Basics The past dictates your present How you processed your past has a direct influence on your current symptoms  Information processing system All the information (external and internal) is relevant to us as an organism The way we learn  to process and store all those bits of information creates our information processing system In EMDR, we work directly with this system A client’s information processing system explains why they are processing the world the way they are “Our information processing systems are directly influenced by our life experiences and the life experiences of the generations before” (15:16).  Adaptive Information Processing: Creation of the Information Processing System Your system/body is designed to process information a certain way This system is created by experience If there’s trauma in early childhood the system is maladaptively built When you’re sitting with a client, conceptualize t

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Show intro Case Conceptualization: Treatment Planning and Target Sequencing “The difference between an EMDR clinician and a great EMDR clinician is the clinician’s ability to conceptualize a case” (7:00). Treatment planning helps the clinician know and be confident in where we’re going, why we’re going there, and how to get there Clinical knowledge and understanding of EMDR allow the clinician to let go of rigid protocols, allowing for greater fluidity and flexibility in treatment. Treatment Approaches There are three types of treatment plans: acute, belief/issue, and developmental Note, each has its pros and cons and none are inherently “better” Remember, be flexible in which approach you use with each client and session Playing ‘whack a mole’ is sometimes necessary at the beginning while figuring out which direction to go Acute Focused Treatment Planning Used when the symptom is from a single or a few incidents Importantly, if the symptom is truly from a single incident reprocessing will go away Useful for symptom reduction, rather than complete alleviation of symptoms A great starting place

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Listen to this week’s episode of Notice That to hear Jen and Bridger discuss the three channels of processing and how they relate to EMDR.  Practical Applications using the Three Channels of Processing The three channels of processing include cognition, affect, and somatic sensations Don’t wait for the body scan to ask about physical sensations and affect Instead, notice and call attention to them throughout Paying attention to the memory repeatedly encourages the myelination of the new pathway Communicate the discrepancy you feel when a client states they’re clear “I hear that you’re feeling like you have a new understanding for this experience. But I don’t know, for me, I’m still feeling some activation in you around it. And I’m wondering what that is, if it’s about the time we have left, or even just wanting to put it away right now?” Ask about thoughts, images, emotions, and physical sensations. Holistic Processing through the Three Channels Many clinicians simply look for the V.O.C. to be a 7. Often forgetting to include the emotional and somatic channels. It’s satisfying for both the client and therapist to have a “complete” session. However, to truly have a complete session, notice the client’s percept

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Listen in to hear Melissa and special guest, Lori Kucharski, discuss the applications of EMDR with clients presenting with disordered eating. Eating Disorder, Disordered Eating, Dysmorphia Eating disorders Primarily cases which fit DSM 5 criteria  Typically including noticeable behaviors and higher level of care needed People tend to think of extreme cases on TV series, movies, and in books Disordered eating Relationship with food or their body isn’t where they want it to be For example, people who are chronically dieting Always wanting your body to be different Dysmorphia Consistent feelings of “something is wrong.” The continuum ranges from not liking a specific body part all the way to as complex as investing a lot of time and energy into elective cosmetic procedures. Importantly, body dysmorphia is not gender dysphoria Diagnostic criteria feels irrelevant in the lived experience of things this complex Keep in mind, however, we are bound by ethical and legal obligations to ass

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Listen in to hear Melissa and Bridger host an interview with Gary Brothers, LCSW, a therapist in Austin TX who specializes in chronic pain and chronic health conditions. Pain: We experience pain through the brain; without the brain, we couldn’t feel pain.  It’s a relay system from the sensory neurons to the brain. When the relay system reaches the brain, that’s when we experience pain.  Look at what has happened in the brain and what has happened over time.    Syndrome states The human body is a working system made up of many smaller systems constantly working towards health.  The nervous system, the endocrine system, the muscular system etc. A disruption caused by a collective breakdown in systems.  Syndrome states in the body can be multifactorial- internal and external causes.    Question 1: How did you as a therapist come to have this as your focal point? This isn’t an area that we are typically encouraged as mental health therapists. How did you find your way to the body and how does EMDR fit into this story?   Gary Brothers: My passion originally was with adolescence and young adults. I was deep attachment-focused as a trauma therapist and focused on attachment issues a

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Listen in to hear Jen and Bridger’s discussion on the importance of case conceptualization and how this is relevant in EMDR therapy.  Join our Patreon by clicking here!    If you haven’t already, check out Episode 55: What is Resourcing   At Beyond Healing, we believe good therapy comes from good case conceptualization. The more that we understand the ‘why’ and the ‘how’, then we can understand as a therapist of which direction we need to go.  We are looking at the human being in front of us, not just as a person, but a biological organism.  It’s more about looking at this person and all their cumulative experiences that have shaped them into the person that they are today.  AIP- How a person shows up in the present is from their experiences in the past.  We as humans are constantly adaptive.    Humans are Mammals: We are biological, mammalian organisms.  Mammals birth live young, rely on social relationships and live in community. Understanding that we are mammals allows us to see why social connection and relationships are so vital to our survival.  <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level=

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Today, Jen and Melissa conduct an interview with Dr. Morrissey on EMDR with clients with TBI. Question 1: Tell us about EMDR and TBI. What kind of results are reasonable to expect? We’d also love to hear about the spectrum of TBI and how this affects the effectiveness of EMDR? Answer 1: Many times when I mention TBI to clients, they automatically assume the most serious cases (in a coma and then relearning basic abilities). I have tried EMDR on a couple clients with severe TBI from this population and had little success. However, there’s other modalities that seem to help. Cereded use with EMDR to help moderate the changes and anxieties has been helpful. It helps with mild to moderate TBI- mild being minor concussions and moderate being cumulative minor head injuries. With TBIs, I like to use the metaphor of a beaver dam. There’s many logs, sticks and leaves that are used to prevent the water (the flow of neuron communication) from occurring. With TBI, we want to be very careful to not overwhelm the system by bringing in a ‘bulldozer’ and trying to clear out everything at once. Their system is already overwhelmed and flooded from the TBI. We want to stand at the side of the river and slowly remove a couple leaves and sticks, and make sure we aren’t doing it invasively. So I definitely approach TBI differently than I would standard EMDR.    Question 2: So what you’re saying, it’s important to be slow at the beginning and titrating the experience for them so that we don’t overwhelm them. The metaphor of pulling the twigs is like a low-impact target so we can begin some of the flow. It feels similar to me of how we would approach a highly traumatized client that is not related to TBI, is this the case?   Answer 2: Yes, I treat a lot of C-PTSD and when I started working with TBI, I noticed the connectio

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Listen in to hear Jen and Melissa discuss how EMDR can be utilized as a somatic therapy. EMDR training 9/16-9/20 Emdrtrainingcenter.com -St. Louis  Register by emailing us at: [email protected]   Terminology for the episode: Somatic Psychology: the therapies that look specifically at integration of mind and body. Somatic therapies help bridge the gap between our cognitive/intellectual mind with our somatic sensory body-based experience as human beings.  This helps create a better understanding of the body and the mind.  In western culture, we have a difficult time separating our identity from our cognitive thoughts.  Our cognitive self lies to us often because it doesn’t hold the whole truth of our human experience.  Somatic psychology isn’t just focused on the body, but the integration of both the mind and body.  We naturally disconnect from our body after traumatic events.  Embodiment: knowledge that has entered into our body and become wisdom. Knowledge is much more cognitive and wisdom is so much more deeper. A sense of knowing even when we cognitively don’t know why.

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Listen in to hear Jen and Bridger discuss the fundamental components of resourcing so that we can create resources that are individualized for clients. Check out our last two episodes, if you haven’t already! State Change vs. Trait Change and Three Pronged Protocol  What happens during a session that makes us think we now need to be resourcing?: It comes from understanding their history.  The way we are able to pinpoint and identify a potential resource is understanding their attachment and neurodevelopment.  What did they have (or not have) in the past that was adaptive material that we want to grow and build upon.  What about when the therapeutic relationship is new? Before, Jen believed that everyone needed a Calm Safe Place, Container etc. Now there’s more focus on what is emerging in the relationship between therapist and client.  Asking “How are they responding to me? What’s their level of activation coming to therapy?” When they talk about their family, notice their response and what we feel is happening.  When something adaptive is experienced between us, or they report on something adaptive outside of session, those can be resources.  SIP model – mapping illuminating the gaps that need resourcing  <s

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Listen into Melissa and Bridger’s discussion on shifting the culture around therapists and two interviews on SIP! Somatic Integration and Processing trainings coming soon! For more information on our SIP trainings, click here.  July 22-24th October 7-9th November and December dates TBA Shifting culture:  We are creating a psychotherapy culture within the therapist community that supports therapists as humans and also reduces burnout within the profession.  Suddenly, we are in grad school and taught the “right way” through a fear-based approach.  Also, most of us were not taught the nuances of the purpose of the rules. Then, we don’t know how to appropriately interpret the rules. This results in a diverse interpretation of the rules, which most of the time results in a fear-based interpretation.  Somatic Integration and Processing: First, SIP extends further than just a case conceptualization model. SIP re-conceptualizes how to live and exist as a therapist. Locally, our emphasis on intersubjectivity and the way we embody therapeutic work is different.

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Today Jen, Melissa and Bridger discuss intersubjectivity within an EMDR therapy session. Today Jen, Melissa and Bridger discuss intersubjectivity within an EMDR therapy session.    Intersubjectivity and EMDR Therapy  Check out episode 50 if you haven’t already! This episode is going to explain a more clinical definition of intersubjectivity.  By incorporating intersubjectivity into sessions, this granted the feeling the freedom to make things explicit that wasn’t before. There was some anxiety at first but it has demonstrated a safe way for clients to begin to integrate their own work because we feel human to them in the process.  Model rather than teach from a cognitive place. Human to Human Subject and subject coming together, rather than object to object. This is very different from what many therapists experienced in grad school.  “Because of my subjectivity, I am able to take a perspective that is objective.” Objectivity is very detached and rational, which causes our therapy to take on this flavor. In order to be comp

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Listen in to hear Jen Melissa and Bridger discuss the relevance of the Three Pronged Protocol within the practice of EMDR therapy. The post Episode 52: Three Pronged Protocol appeared first on Notice That.

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