ND-Adjusted EMDR
Grounded in the present while working on the past
Best for: processing specific traumatic memories, desensitizing PTSD triggers
Developed by American psychologist Francine Shapiro in 1987, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. Dual attention stimulation (DAS) is used to keep the individual grounded in the present while working on the past. The most commonly used types of DAS are left-right eye movements or left-right tapping. EMDR does not erase traumatic memories, but the vividness and emotionality of the memory will be reduced or eliminated. It is a bottom up approach (connecting body sensations to thoughts and emotions) that leads to lasting change. For further explanation of how EMDR works, this video offers a great explanation.
We often interweave EMDR with other somatic processing methods (including Brainspotting and Internal Family Systems), as well as talk therapy. We will follow the client’s lead on what approach is most helpful each session.
EMDR vs Brainspotting
EMDR
Discovered first, EMDR is more well-known than Brainspotting. The standard EMDR protocols may not work for neurodivergent minds, so it is essential to do EMDR with a counsellor who is well-versed in ways to adjust the protocols for neurodivergent people. EMDR is most effective when there is a specific memory being targeted.
Specific to EMDR:
- Targets a specific memory
- Typically requires the ability to see images in your mind
- Typically requires talking during processing
- Uses dual attention stimulus (e.g., eyes moving left to right)
- Uses sets of dual attention stimulation with moments of verbal processing in between sets
Brainspotting
Research on the effectiveness of Brainspotting vs EMDR is limited, but what is available suggests that Brainspotting may be more effective than EMDR in general. Brainspotting may also be more effective for some neurodivergent people, particularly those who struggle with verbal processing while emotionally dysregulated.
Specific to Brainspotting:
- Targets whatever is causing distress
- Does not require mind-imagery (works for aphantasia)
- Does not require talking while processing
- Uses a fixed eye position
- The fixed eye position is typically maintained throughout with no requirement for verbal processing
Certain situations may be better suited to one over the other. Ultimately, both Brainspotting and EMDR can be very effective for neurodivergent people to process trauma when they are implemented by a neurodivergence-informed counsellor who adjusts them for the specific needs of each client.
