scholarly journals Transference and Countertransference in EMDR Therapy

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 158-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivier Piedfort-Marin

Just like any other psychotherapy method, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) should conceptualize the intersubjective phenomena that are active during EMDR therapy, especially in the treatment of complex cases. This article describes the concepts of transference and countertransference and how to integrate them in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. In this article, research on mirror neurons, the concept of action systems, and recent considerations on attachment theory for patients with disorganized attachment are incorporated into the concepts of transference and countertransference. Input from each of these theories is illustrated with a clinical vignette that depicts how the client’s and the therapist’s conscious and unconscious processes are intertwined and how they may affect the efficacy of EMDR therapy. We propose the countertransference-based interweave to release the AIP when countertransference issues block the process. Integrating knowledge on transference and countertransference in EMDR therapy could increase the efficacy of EMDR, especially in complex cases.

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 221-231
Author(s):  
Ines Santos

This article describes a diagrammatic clinical tool to be used when formulating cases in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, the EMDR Case Formulation Tool is a way of illustrating psychological difficulties, mapping out the relationships between six key elements: unprocessed traumatic experiences, triggers, intrusions, negative beliefs, and symptoms, as well as resilience. From the diagrammatic formulation, a narrative formulation can be developed. The case formulation tool can be shared with the client, used to guide treatment planning, in supervision, and in case consultations. The use of the tool is explained and its clinical applications demonstrated with case examples.


2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brurit Laub ◽  
Nomi Weiner ◽  
Sheila S. Bender

This article proposes a dialectical perspective on the adaptive information processing (AIP) model (F. Shapiro, 1995, 2001) with application to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Dialectical principles may contribute to a more detailed understanding of the way the AIP system works as well as adding new therapeutic guidelines. Our dialectical perspective is based on 2 propositions. The first is that the movement of the AIP system toward integration consists of 2 dialectical movements: horizontal and vertical. The horizontal movement is between various opposites of the individual such as danger versus safety, dependence versus independence, worthlessness versus self-worth. The vertical movement relates to whole/part shifts in which a whole becomes a part of the next higher whole. The synergetic flow of both dialectical movements is depicted as a spiral of the AIP system. The second proposition suggests that the AIP system operates through cycles of differentiation and linking. These cycles separate the condensed and fragmented memory network into parts, enabling new links to occur. Differentiation and linking are also discussed in relation to dialectical attunement and mindful dual awareness. Using clinical vignettes, we illustrate how this perspective can supply the EMDR therapist a map of the client’s associative processing, enhance attuned therapeutic presence, and promote effective dialectical interweaves when processing is stuck.


2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricky Greenwald ◽  
Ricky Greenwald ◽  
Francine Shapiro ◽  
Francine Shapiro

This Point/Counterpoint concludes the interchange in Greenwald, R. and Shapiro, F. (2010) What is EMDR?: Commentary by Greenwald and Invited Response by Shapiro Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 4, 170–179. Greenwald Rejoinder: In this rejoinder, I highlight areas of agreement between Shapiro and me that were obscured by Shapiro’s (2010) response to my (Greenwald, 2010) commentary. I also address some of the erroneous statements made by Shapiro (2010) in her arguments against my positions. Finally, I summarize our disagreements, and again assert that until we have an empirical basis for preferring a particular theoretical model of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), it is premature for professional organizations to endorse Shapiro’s model. Shapiro Response: In response to Greenwald, I again confine myself to addressing some of the errors and misconceptions in his arguments in relation to important aspects of EMDR therapy, theory, and research. Further, contrary to his assertion, there is already a sufficient empirical basis to support the preferential use of the adaptive information processing (AIP) model from which the EMDR procedures were formulated. His argument against this position is antithetical to the traditional process by which foundational models are challenged, refined, or replaced. Implications are salient to both training and practice.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 162-174
Author(s):  
Roger M. Solomon ◽  
Barbara J. Hensley

Death of a loved one is universally distressing. The stressful conditions of COVID-19 can compound the trauma of a loss. Consequently, the mourner has to deal with: (a) the loss of a loved one; (b) potential complications of grief and mourning caused by COVID-19 (e.g., sudden and unexpected death, a loved one's suffering, inability to be physically present to offer comfort or say good-bye, social distancing interfering with funeral and religious ceremonies); and (c) personal disruption caused by COVID-19 (e.g., disruption of employment and daily living routines, fears related to safety and uncertainty). Further, grief can be complicated by prior unresolved losses and trauma, including attachment-based trauma, which would also need to be identified and treated. This article presents a framework for treatment of grief and mourning with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. EMDR treatment, guided by the Adaptive Information Processing model, can be informed by other frameworks, including attachment theory and the Dual Process Model, which are described. A case example is presented to illustrate treatment of a client whose father died due to COVID-19.


2014 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy F. Baumeister ◽  
Kathleen D. Vohs ◽  
E. J. Masicampo

AbstractPsychologists debate whether consciousness or unconsciousness is most central to human behavior. Our goal, instead, is to figure out how they work together. Conscious processes are partly produced by unconscious processes, and much information processing occurs outside of awareness. Yet, consciousness has advantages that the unconscious does not. We discuss how consciousness causes behavior, drawing conclusions from large-scale literature reviews.


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