Somatic and Attachment Focused (S.A.F.E.) EMDR
Somatic and Attachment Focused (S.A.F.E.) EMDR is an evidenced-based, trauma-informed, present-focused, and mind-body therapeutic approach. Created to navigate the complexity of developmental trauma, C-PTSD, and other mental health conditions by addressing problems at the “root.” By looking at how the past is showing up in the present, you can choose how you would like to engage in your life moving forward.
How is SAFE EMDR different than EMDR?
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Somatic Focus
By incorporating present moment awareness, the wisdom of the body, and somatic grounding techniques, trauma is able to be processed more completely.
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Attachment Theory
By exploring earliest experiences of relational development, including what did NOT happen, we can better understand our current patterns and develop new ways of interacting with others.
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The “Answer”
In SAFE EMDR, additional focus is placed on understanding our “Answer.” Similar to IFS and Parts Work, this allows for reflecting on all the ways we adapt and self-protect throughout our life, how these strategies can help and hinder the therapy process.
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EMDR Techniques
SAFE EMDR still follows the same 8 Phases, 3 Prongs, and protocols of standard EMDR. SAFE EMDR is also based in the AIP model that explores how the “past is present” and how “stuck” memories shape how we view ourselves and the world around us.
How S.A.F.E. EMDR works.
EMDR is more than just eye movements. EMDR uses an 8 Phase approach and phases are inter-related and multiple phases are used in every session. Safety, stability, and resourcing are done FIRST and returned to throughout the duration of treatment.
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History and Treatment Planning
Like starting any therapy, this is time to gather information, build rapport, complete questionnaires, learn about EMDR, and determine if SAFE EMDR is a good fit for your treatment goals. Personal strengths and the “Answer” are also explored in this phase.
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Preparation
In this phase, the focus is on understanding current resources, expanding current tools and strategies, and finding stability prior to processing. This may look like practicing skills, understanding risks, building safety plans, and planning ahead for possible setbacks and barriers to processing.
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Assessment
This phase focuses on activating a target memory and begin re-processing. You will identify, images, beliefs, emotions, and sensations associated with the memory in order to “light up” the limbic system.
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Desensitization
With the addition of Dual Awareness (DAS) and Bilateral Stimulation (BLS), the target memory is processed, allowing the brain to naturally follow related memory channels, clear “stuck” points, and allow for spontaneous changes in insight, emotions, memories, and beliefs. This continues until the memory no longer holds any disturbance.
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Installation
Once a memory is no longer distressing, the focus shifts to using DAS/BLS to increase positive beliefs and strengthen memory networks.
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Body Scan
After a memory is no longer activating and positive beliefs are installed, a body scan is completed to clear out any remaining discomfort from the process and help with reconnecting to the present moment.
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Closure
Completed at the end of EVERY session. This is an opportunity to use any skills to contain, ground, or stabilize before leaving session. This is also a time to reflect what you have learned, discuss reactions that can occur after processing, and what to do if you need support between sessions.
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Re-Evaluation
At the start of each session, there is space to assess response to treatment, discuss new memories to add to treatment plan, and review overall progress towards goals. Phase 8 also re-starts the processing phase and resuming Phases 4-7.
What SAFE EMDR is NOT:
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Not the ONLY way to treat trauma
SAFE EMDR is just one of many approaches to addressing trauma. It is important to discuss your goals for treatment with your therapist to determine best fit.
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Not “just talk therapy”
It can be a hard transition to SAFE EMDR and not talk about every event that happens between session. There will still be opportunities to share life updates, check progress, and add memories to process in the future, however the focus is on processing target memories.
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Not about sharing every detail or memory
The benefit of doing SAFE EMDR is you do not have to tell the details of your trauma. Headlines, key words, and brief descriptions are all that is needed. Also, you do not have to process EVERY trauma that ever happened, many memories are linked and when one is healed, so are the others.
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Not hypnosis or memory retrieval
DAS, BLS, and Eye Movements are not hypnosis, they will not make you recall “repressed memories,” or forget memories that matter to you. Eye movements are used to “tax” the working memory, create contact with the present moment while recalling past events, and leave behind positive associations and healing.
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Not one sized fits all
SAFE EMDR is meant to encourage personal choice and empower you to make decisions. Treatment planning is collaborative and can pivot at any time if something is not working for you. Being open and honest about your experiences is important for participating in SAFE EMDR.
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Not a magic wand or quick fix
Making the type of lasting change SAFE EMDR can create takes time. Although it is 8 Phases, each phase takes “as long as it takes.” With the support of your therapist, you will move through these phases at your pace, as quickly and safely as possible.
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Not only for in person therapy
There are many options and ways to do SAFE EMDR, including in virtual settings. When entering the processing phases of EMDR, there are virtual light bars, buzzers, self-tapping, and other modalities to get the same treatment effects as in person therapy.
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Not just for “Big T” trauma
Whatever the brain is ready to heal, will present itself. This could include events that are “no big deal” or “that happened a long time ago.” Sometimes it is not what happened to us, but what did NOT happen.
Who Could Benefit from SAFE EMDR?
SAFE EMDR has been proven effective with the following presenting concerns. Some conditions also have specific protocols for best treatment results.
Not all EMDR therapists are created equal, and it is important to consider the background and specialties of your chosen therapist.
When the comprehensive approach to EMDR is taken, the greatest and lasting effects of treatment are achieved. This means, identifying the “root” of presenting concerns and not simply addressing present day targets with EMDR as a technique.
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C-PTSD
SAFE EMDR was developed to support developmental traumas and the accumulation of traumatic experiences over a lifetime. SAFE EMDR focuses on addressing attachment wounds and relational traumas, assists with creating safety and trust in yourself and with others, and process parts of memories that cause us to be “stuck” in patterns.
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Trauma
Like traditional EMDR, SAFE EMDR allows for processing “Big T” trauma and acute stress events, like car accidents, medical trauma, and experiences of violence. SAFE EMDR allows for reducing the intensity of these experiences, find new ways of coping, and process the mental and physical experiences of trauma.
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Anxiety
With SAFE EMDR, the root of anxiety is uncovered, while also learning how to be present with the body, understand the nervous system and internal resources, and address strongly held beliefs about discomfort and fear. In addition to the standard protocol, there are specific EMDR protocols for addressing phobias and panic, to support reducing overwhelm while minimizing cycles of fear and avoidance.
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Depression
The AIP model reiterates that the “past is present.” When depression arises, it is like being stuck in a loop of the “un-greatest hits.” SAFE EMDR provides as space to process past events and explore strongly held beliefs in order to make way for self-compassion and increase connection to self-confidence and the people who matter most to you in your life.
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Grief
Grief is a natural response to loss. SAFE EMDR does not make you forget or lose connection to the person, places, or things that matter to you. SAFE EMDR supports the grieving process with expressing guilt, blame, shame, and traumatic elements of the loss in order to tap into a more adaptive mourning process.
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Chronic Pain
With chronic pain and health conditions, SAFE EMDR focuses on decreasing the stress response in the body, processing traumatic memories associated with events and/or pain, and breaking the “loop” of the pain cycle allowing for more adaptive ways of coping. There are also protocols specifically for pain and specific chronic pain conditions.
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Self-Esteem
Similarly to conditions mentioned above, experiences of low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, and lack of confidence develop early in a person’s life. SAFE EMDR focuses on treating the “root” and earliest relationship ruptures that created this pattern of being “not good enough,” “broken,” or “unloveable.”
If you resonated with the above and are ready to learn more about EMDR and S.A.F.E. EMDR, schedule a free consultation with Effort and Ease Counseling, LLC. You can also visit the following websites for more information about EMDR and S.A.F.E. EMDR.
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