How Adaptations to the Standard EMDR Protocol Can be Informed by Attachment Theory
How Adaptations to the Standard EMDR Protocol Can be Informed by Attachment Theory
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Issue Date
2024-05
Authors
Har, Maria
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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Abstract
The topic of this capstone grew out of a curiosity for the treatment of relational wounds that resulted from strained and broken relationships using a similar methodology employed in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Early breaches in attachment in children and infants have been linked to challenges later in life with emotional regulations and the formation of relationships. This capstone will examine studies that have proved the efficacy of EMDR as a treatment option for PTSD and will extend to summarize the work in adopting the protocol in EMDR for wounds that have resulted from flawed relational bonds. The research reviewed served as a basis to inspire the creation of an adaptation of EMDR through an attachment focused lens with an underlying sensitivity to the client’s nervous system response to the therapy. The treatment plan is designed to help an adult client identify and lower the emotional charge of an upsetting early childhood attachment memory. The lowering of the charge is aimed at relieving distressing emotions that are linked to the hurtful memories that may be impeding their current functioning. The proposal in Chapter 3 is targeted to practitioners that have already been trained in the basic EMDR protocol. No attempt should be made to use this adapted protocol without the proper EMDR basic training.
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Keywords
EMDR , attachment , traffic light , attachment theory
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States , openAccess