No McTherapy here!
Dr Scott Borrelli
2002
As a relative newcomer to EMDR, I offer reflections on my first experiences with
an extraordinary set of concepts and procedures. However, confidence can be a
quick teacher: in future writings, I'll include practical suggestions on the uses
of EMDR based on my casework. Perhaps my successes and mistakes, and there have
been a few, will be useful to other EMDR practitioners. EMDR represents a convincing
challenge to the traditional idea that trauma experiences and associated pain
is life-long and require vast amounts of therapy. This perception of the intransigent
nature of trauma pain is a pervasive one, and a paradigm shift to coincide with
the successes of EMDR is having its share of growing pains.
My initial training with EMDR only a few months ago left me with both a rejuvenating
sense of new capabilities and an unsettling degree of reticence tinged with regret.
Initial questions were to do with how I could comfortably integrate this method
into my professional self-image, since I'm a "long-term" type of fellow
who hates goodbyes (even to clients). Also, I wondered how to introduce and adapt
these strategies to my existing clients with some expression of confidence. The
regret is about time "lost" with those who have worked long and hard
in their respective therapeutic journeys, and who might have benefited from EMDR
at the very start. That's a lot of baggage, but I suppose I can forgive myself,
and move on.
As far as blending EMDR strategies into my present work, reminding myself of my
passion for integration helps. Except for those self-conscious finger-waving movements
which periodically make me feel like a hypnotist gone manic, the components are
all familiar. The sequence is unique and supported by a mixture of truly modern
concepts of the high-tech and self-healing brain. There's something there for
all of us, and I am further encouraged to become more adept with multimodal treatment
plans in this vastly symptomatic world. By the way, I have learned that I don't
need to force my client's eyes quite so broadly nor quite so swiftly (my first
few developed severe headaches!). My demeanour (and my forearm!) is more relaxed,
and I'm beginning to develop a comfortable routine. Practice makes perfect. And
after all, isn't the "good" therapist a flexible one?
Undoubtedly, "short-term" and "pronto" EVERYTHING is the order
of the day. I take comfort in recognising the ways in which EMDR demonstrates
that scientific insights are beginning to catch up with economical therapeutic
practice. No McTherapy here, but carefully constructed strategies combining the
best of a variety of notions about what facilitates positive change. And, importantly,
EMDR work upholds the centrality of the therapeutic relationship. I can remain
a caring therapist in all the ways I have known, and now with significantly wider
dimensions. EMDR is no threat, but an opportunity for me as well as for the client.
I can now "do" brief therapy, and not worry that I am minimising the
intensity of my client's experiences and pain. It requires a shift in perception
for the client as well, who has probably been bound to their pain for much too
long. That individual's are capable of repairing ("reprocessing") even
the deepest injuries through this concise and carefully structured method is a
powerful confirmation of our ability for self-healing, and client education is
essential.
To dampen any lingering hesitations, my clients have surprised me with their enthusiastic
willingness to participate, and even appreciate my occasional awkwardness with
the protocol. These are the moments when I am reminded that therapy is an intimate
and co-operative experiment; positive intention and a degree of humility, as well
as skill, are essential ingredients for success. These clients trust me, and I
can trust myself. What a magnificently reciprocal arrangement.
More specific muses from the Borrelli column soon, until then,
Good Practice!
Dr. Scott E. Borrelli
©2002 The EMDR Practitioner - All
Rights Reserved Worldwide