For many clients, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is the best technique for navigating trauma. This approach is helpful for clients who have experienced emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, violence, natural disasters, or loss. However, for more complex situations involving early childhood wounds and relational trauma, taking an attachment-focused approach can be incredibly beneficial. Teresa Zuvela at Woodland Pathways Counseling offers attachment-focused EMDR therapy in Tacoma, Washington, to provide compassionate support for clients on this journey.
What Is EMDR?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based treatment designed to help clients with PTSD process trauma (such as assault, combat, a car accident, or grief). EMDR therapy works by using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds, that mimic the brain activity of REM sleep.
This rhythmic left-right stimulation helps the brain reprocess distressing memories, allowing them to be stored in a more adaptive way. As a result, it reduces the emotional intensity of traumatic memories, and healing becomes possible.
How EMDR Is Structured
In addition to reducing the distress tied to specific events, EMDR often helps clients replace negative beliefs, such as feelings of shame, guilt, or helplessness, with healthier, more empowering perspectives. EMDR therapy is structured, with eight distinct phases that include history-taking, preparation, desensitization, and reprocessing.
- History - Taking and treatment planning – The therapist gathers background information and identifies specific memories to target during sessions.
- Preparation – Clients learn grounding and self-regulation skills to promote feelings of safety.
- Assessment – The therapist guides the client as they identify emotions, images, and physical sensations connected to traumatic memories.
- Desensitization – Using bilateral stimulation, clients process the distressing memory, reducing its emotional intensity.
- Installation – Adaptive beliefs replace negative ones, reinforcing healthy perspectives.
- Body scan – The therapist helps the client notice lingering physical tension or discomfort to determine if additional reprocessing is needed.
- Closure – The session ends with grounding techniques, so clients leave feeling stable and safe.
- Reevaluation – During the next session, the client and therapist revisit progress and decide on next steps.
These stages ensure clients feel safe, supported, and equipped with tools for regulation throughout therapy. Over time, EMDR enables the brain to integrate past experiences without being overwhelmed by them, leading to increased resilience and improved peace of mind.
How Attachment-Focused EMDR Therapy Works
Attachment-focused EMDR therapy (AF-EMDR) is for individuals with more complex traumatic experiences. Frequently, these situations occur in childhood or long-term relationships, with traumatic events often involving abuse, prolonged emotional neglect, early loss or separation, or growing up in a shaming or critical environment.
In addition to mending early attachment wounds and treating trauma, AF-EMDR can also address ongoing concerns, including:
- Chronic pain
- Betrayal
- Grief and loss
- Aging challenges
- Relational trauma
What sets AF-EMDR apart is its focus on the therapeutic relationship as a foundation for healing. Clients who may not have experienced consistent care or support in their early lives benefit from a safe and compassionate bond with their therapist. This sense of security allows individuals to explore painful memories without being re-traumatized.
AF-EMDR weaves together attachment-based strategies with traditional EMDR techniques, helping clients reprocess trauma and build healthier internal narratives and relational patterns. In practice, this means clients develop greater self-compassion, improved trust in others, and a stronger sense of stability.
Reprocessing Trauma in a Safe Way
Both EMDR therapy and AF-EMDR are incredibly helpful for healing, allowing you to rework feelings and narratives associated with your trauma without the need to verbalize your experiences. Some talk therapy can be included, but other supportive techniques lead the way.
Healing Is Possible With the Right Support
You don’t need to walk this path alone. Teresa Zuvela, a certified EMDR and attachment-focused EMDR therapist at Woodland Pathways Counseling, can guide you with care and empathy. Take the first step by reaching out for attachment-focused EMDR therapy in Tacoma, WA. You can also opt for telehealth services to access care where you feel most comfortable.