What is S.A.F.E. 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 Can EMDR Therapy Help Me?” for more information on standard EMDR therapy and how it works.

S.A.F.E. EMDR stands for Somatic Attachment Focused EMDR and was developed in response to challenges therapists encountered when working with patients with complex trauma. Complex trauma is a condition that impacts people who have experienced repeated trauma, abuse, or stressors, 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 Trauma

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 in the initial phases of treatment to focus on building awareness of the answer and developing coping skills before proceeding with reprocessing. These initial phases help enhance an individual’s emotional safety during the reprocessing phase.

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