What is Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR Therapy?

EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy) is a therapeutic modality that helps individuals process traumatic memories to make them less disturbing. You can refer to the previous blog titled, “How EMDR Therapy Works”  for more information on standard EMDR therapy.

Somatic Attachment Focused EMDR (S.A.F.E. EMDR) was developed because of the challenges therapists encountered when doing EMDR with patients with Complex PTSD. Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is a condition that impacts people who have experienced repeated trauma or abuse, usually throughout childhood. Many patients who have experienced complex trauma struggle to feel emotionally safe during standard EMDR, which can cause dissociation, panic, or intensified anxiety. S.A.F.E. EMDR utilizes attachment theory and somatic/body centered exercises to help participants engage in EMDR safely and effectively.

How S.A.F.E. EMDR Treats Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

S.A.F.E. EMDR therapy incorporates the “answer” to address potential barriers to healing. The “answer” refers to the behaviors people learn in childhood to stay safe and connected to their caregiver. These same behaviors are likely to reappear during EMDR therapy and have been known to cause blocks to the healing process. S.A.F.E. EMDR emphasizes the importance of helping a patient understand their “answer” and how it may show up throughout therapy.

Who Benefits from S.A.F.E. EMDR Therapy?

Any person who has experienced complex trauma, repeated exposure to stressors, or ongoing abuse may benefit from S.A.F.E. EMDR therapy. A S.A.F.E. EMDR therapist will spend significant time helping the patient build awareness of their “answer” and develop coping skills before proceeding with reprocessing. This enhances the patient’s sense of safety during therapy.

Get Started with a S.A.F.E. EMDR Therapist

I am a trained S.A.F.E. EMDR therapist. Contact me to get started with S.A.F.E. EMDR Therapy. 

Online Locations: Nashville, Tennessee – Brentwood, Tennessee – Atlanta, Georgia – Sandy Springs, Georgia – Greater Tennessee and Georgia Area

Mailing Addresses: 1604 Westgate Circle, Brentwood TN. 37027 – 5887 Glenridge Dr. Sandy Springs, GA. 30328