- Trauma Therapy in Hamilton -
Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, C-PTSD, Relational Trauma, Attachment Trauma, Childhood Abuse, Complex Trauma, Phobias and more...
AF-EMDR
Attachment Focused EMDR
​Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is the preeminent treatment for trauma. It moves beyond talk therapy and works at the physical level to reorganize how memories and emotional systems in the brain are organized.
This in turn changes how your brain responds to distressing memories, bringing down the charge of emotions, and allowing you to feel safety and peace within your system.
Attachment Focused EMDR (AF-EMDR) is an expansion of EMDR designed to go deeper than the standard EMDR protocol getting directly to the root of the problem for effective healing of multiple experiences. This can be necessary to address deep or ongoing relational wounds and attachment deficits. It is also flexible based on the culture, gender, background and experiences of each client.
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The early bonds we form with our primary caregivers play a crucial role in our lifelong development. These bonds impact the safety and security we need so we can build healthy relationships as adults. If we don't develop secure attachments we may struggle with relationships and face mental health challenges as adults.
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This approach is optimal for those who have experienced childhood neglect, early loss, physical or sexual abuse, traumatic attachment, birth and medical trauma, and other deeply painful experiences.
*It is also suited to those who have tried the standard approach to EMDR and did not find it helpful.
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Note: The use of bilateral stimulation (tapping) can be used in place of eye movement and can be a lot easier for those who would experience discomfort with eye movement. There are many ways to do this!
AF-EMDR works with the whole person -- somatic, emotional, cultural, and spiritual dimensions -- as a means to healing. It is client-centred and prioritizes a compassionate, attuned connection between you and the therapist. It will help you to explore your feelings, past experiences, thoughts, and behaviours in a safe and caring way.​​
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You can learn more about the differences between EMDR and AF-EMDR.
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Our therapists who practice AF-EMDR:
Learn more about AF-EMDR
Who better to explain Attachment Focused EMDR than Dr. Laurel Parnell?! She is the most experienced EMDR clinician on the planet. Dr. Parnell is a psychologist trained by Dr. Robin Shapiro who developed EMDR in the 80's. Over the past 33 years Laurel Parnell has expanded the model to treat the clients she works with who present with complex trauma and significant attachment issues -- such severe childhood abuse and neglect. This adaptation of EMDR is creative, deeply compassionate and culturally flexible.
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