This is the morning of the 4th day in The Art of EMDR Workshop, and we’ll finish up today. I believe this workshop – the learning and information I am getting from it – is, or will be, an essential part of my development as an EMDR therapist.
There has been very little lecture. Some, just enough. Explanation, handouts on what’s known as “Structural Dissociation” and the “Frasier Table.” Mostly, there have been live demos and working with each other as therapist and client under the guidance and supervision of Kathleen Martin and Roger Solomon. And, that has been great!
So, I’ve done some personal work in the workshop and that feels satisfying. There may be a little more to do this morning but I think it’ll be tying pieces (emotional parts, so to speak) together. I’ve always felt like something was missing in my life, in my own personal therapy, as well as my work with others, and I think that this has brought me closer to what I’ve been needing. And, while I’m certain there is no end to this journey of seeking to be available to myself in a way that is helpful to others, this has opened an important doorway.
I volunteered to do the Frazier Table with Kathleen on the first day, as the group demo subject. I’m glad I was chosen to do it! She is a premier person in working with structural dissociation, which means I did my table with one of the best. She said I will get a copy of the video, so I will be able to see what I did beyond what I can remember. I would just say that it was very powerful to meet parts of myself – around a campfire – and to begin letting them interact, catch up to 2016, and to see who knew what about whom. Now that I’ve seen this within myself, I’m certain that I’ll be able to see the EPs (Emotional Parts) in others, which opens up a whole, new therapeutic vista. From that experience, I can see that we all have emotional parts, the importance of meeting them and helping them get resolution – or, in this case, begin the process – and the role of EMDR in the process.
In working with Marsha, my ‘therapist’ partner on the issue I had chosen, I would say it was, or is bein
g, great! She is an experienced, very experienced, EMDR Clinician. She is an EMDR Consultant, so she knows the protocol, knows when to intervene, guide, direct and how to stay out of the way. Roger and Kathleen were perfect in their support and brief interventions, as well. I’m very certain that I’ve gotten some resolution with the issue I came in to work on, although one never really knows until it plays itself out in life as it appears, but I’m hopeful. Also, I was the therapist for her and it was great to be part of her process, as well.
Specifically, what I’ve learned is:
- I need to learn more and more and more about dissociation. It’s a deep well, but to be a
serious therapist, and to be competent in working with many people, one needs to know dissociation. Of that, I’m convinced. Memo to self: Read “The Haunted Self.” - The importance of the Future Template and how it helps generalize resolution of memories from the past into current experiences, and furthermore, as life unfolds.
- The importance of using eye-movements, when possible.
- The difference between ‘parts’ work and ‘memory’ work.
- The vital importance of stabilization and resourcing.
- How to ‘see’ attunement in the face of the client, and how to stay attuned during BLS processing.
- Being in and around other EMDR therapists, who are present to learn and to grow is, in and of itself, energizing.
- and, that I probably ask too many questions. Hopefully, not too the point of being obnoxious but only my parts will know.