Upskilling Updates!
I am currently (2023) working toward Accreditation as an EMDRAA Accredited Practitioner for Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. While I already am trained to provide this therapy, the accreditation process ensures competence in all areas of EMDR practice. I have completed all the required competencies and will be eligible to apply in April 2023. I am very passionate about EMDR and feel honoured to be able to provide the best standard of care in this model.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy is based on the Adaptive Information Processing Model (AIP), which posits that all mental health problems are caused by dysfunctionally-stored memories. Our brains encode and store traumatic memories differently to non-traumatic memories. When we endure a situation that is overwhelming to our resources to cope, the event becomes “stuck” in our memory networks, linked to the original sensory experience (images, body sensations, smells, sounds, etc) and negative beliefs about ourselves. These components can be repeatedly triggered in our daily lives, whenever we encounter internal and external reminders of the event. It is important to note that everyone has a different threshold for coping, and therefore trauma is “relative”. Additionally, events that occur early in life are encoded differently to in adulthood. As an example, being left alone in the shops when you are 18 years old is very different to being left alone in the shops at 2 years old.
EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds, on both sides of the body) to “reprocess” the dysfunctionally stored memories related to current problems. We understand this process to be similar to what happens when we are sleeping during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, when our brain is storing, encoding, and learning information. By changing the way the memory is stored in the brain, it is no longer “triggering” and the individual can develop an autobiographical narrative of the event. This means the person knows deeply that the event occurred in the past, they are aware of how it impacted them, and know that they are safe in the present.
EMDR therapy was initially developed for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and it remains the gold standard treatment for this presentation. EMDR also has applications for depression, anxiety, anger problems, compulsive behaviours, and a range of other presenting problems that can be traced to dysfunctionally-stored memories or overwhelming events that the individual has endured.
Prior to doing the memory work, we also provide stabilisation and resourcing for clients so that they feel ready to explore the events that have happened in their lives. This is personalised to the client and can involve addressing hyperarousal, sleep problems, relational issues, assertiveness skills, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and practical life skills.
I have seen incredible results with using EMDR therapy and clients report that it helps them greatly in overcoming adversity and moving on from the past.
Structural Dissociation and Parts Work—Training with Dr Roger Solomon
In January 2023, I completed a workshop in Structural Dissociation. Dissociation occurs when events and situations in a person’s life that are overwhelming occur very early in life or repeatedly. It is an adaptation of the brain to be able to cope and survive through often horrific circumstances. Usually, dissociation happens when there is both insecure attachment to a caregiver as well as significant life trauma. In order to cope and function, the personality can become divided so that a part/s of the personality can “get on with everyday life” and avoid the trauma, while other part/s hold the memory and remain stuck in trauma time. In therapy, we can work with these parts to develop more collaboration among the parts, compassion for the important role the parts have played in helping the person survive, and work toward greater integration of the personality. This “parts work” is often done in conjunction with EMDR therapy to help stabilise the individual and prepare them for memory work.
Signs of dissociation can include:
· losing time in the present or having memory gaps for events in the past
· A sense of unreality, feeling detached from emotions, or “going through the motions” of life
· Significant difficulties in relationships, work or other important life areas
· Depressed mood, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
Not all people who live through trauma have structural dissociation, however parts work can be relevant to anyone. All of us can relate to having inner conflicts. For example, a part of me wants to go to the gym, while a part of me wants to watch Netflix on the Couch. We can all benefit from having more internal cohesiveness in working toward our goals in life.
Jenna Kenwright Psychologist - jennakenwright@gmail.com - jennakenwright.com - 0491 300 827
