Client reluctant to try EMDR

  • Client reluctant to try EMDR

    Posted by Cynthia Lindell on February 6, 2021 at 11:27 am

    Good morning, everyone – I have a long-term client with an eating disorder and early abuse who is reluctant to try EMDR in any way. She holds her body very close and tight, and even the thought of alternating one finger on thighs is more than she’s willing to do. Does anyone have experience with this? I usually just leave it and come back in a few appointments. She has been willing to try some tapping before attempting to eat something, at home. Thoughts?

    Cynthia Lindell replied 3 years, 2 months ago 2 Members · 2 Replies
  • 2 Replies
  • Shauna Ianson

    Member
    February 11, 2021 at 6:44 pm

    Hi Cynthia,

    I don’t have experience with working with eating disorders, but I’m thinking of Ana Gomez’s work in using EMDR games to help clients, particularly children, become familiar with the different parts of processing ahead of time and using these games to build up affect tolerance for the uncomfortable feelings. This also helps with titrating the client’s experience so they have the tools to stay regulated when processing. Maybe looking at resources from Ana Gomez would be helpful for working with your client. The fact that she is using tapping before eating seems very positive!

    Shauna

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