Attachment-focused EMDR (AF-EMDR) is a modified protocol developed by Dr. Laurel Parnell that builds on the core EMDR framework but with an attachment-repair focus. At the heart of AF-EMDR is the attuned, connected relationship between my clients and me. There’s also an emphasis on the consideration of your unique needs and treating the whole person—body, heart, mind, and spirit.
AF-EMDR is particularly helpful for those who have experienced early attachment trauma and neglect.
When we experience trauma—whether it’s relational betrayal, abuse and neglect, or a single event such as a car accident—the trauma essentially gets locked in the nervous system of the body unless we have appropriate support (which most of us didn’t have as children). The memory lives in the brain and body along with the original images, sounds, thoughts, and feelings associated with it.
AF-EMDR can help your brain target and process disturbing experiences in a way other treatment modalities can’t. Using bilateral sensory input, like eye movements or tapping, AF-EMDR accesses this information and provides an avenue for it to be reprocessed in a way that takes the “charge” out of the memory. Once the memory is processed and integrated, it can be held like other memories and not fragmented into pieces that intrude into the present.
Sessions are typically 75 or 90 minutes long to allow ample time for the process to unfold. I’ll work with you and your primary therapist to determine the goals for our work together.
As a clinician trained in both traditional and Attachment-Focused EMDR, I’ve noticed two main differences with AF-EMDR that have positively impacted my work and clients:
1. Robust resourcing component – AF-EMDR utilizes a 4-part resourcing experience to support nervous system regulation and strengthen the client’s internal resources.
The four resourcing elements are: The qualities of a Peaceful Place, The qualities of Nurturing Figures, The qualities of Protector Figures, and The qualities of Wise Figures.
The client uses their imagination to connect with inner resources, which we pair with bilateral stimulation to strengthen the connection with those resources. In doing so, you strengthen the neural networks of grounded presence as opposed to the networks connected to trauma.
2. The flow of the AF-EMDR protocol – The AF-EMDR protocol is very right-brain focused. Once the neural network related to the trauma is activated, the protocol flows from there without being interrupted by anything that would activate the left brain.
This content on this site is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy, professional clinical advice or diagnostic purposes. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional about any health condition.