Laurel Parnell – Attachment-Focused EMDR for Early Child Sexual Abuse by a Stranger

In this demonstration video, Dr. Parnell works with the client who presents with a history of sexual assaults and childhood physical abuse. The client reported symptoms of dissociation and present-day triggers that were troubling to her. She believed the abuse had impacted her interpersonal relationships, particularly her ability to trust people.

The video shows the use of an Attachment-Focus in the use of EMDR through the therapeutic relationship, the use of resources, and the use of the modified protocol that allowed the client to feel safe enough to enter into and process the traumatic material.

We began by exploring the history of the presenting problem, her symptoms and triggers and then installed resources. We decided to target the earliest abuse memory; that of molestation by a stranger when she was a young girl. We used the modified protocol to develop the target. She processed very distressing material without apparent strong affect. The processing became stuck in some places, which required interweaves to unblock them. She processed the trauma to full resolution, installed positive cognitions, had a clear body scan and closed with her resources.

1. Recognize when the client has installed of a good team of resources during the therapeutic session

• Explore the presenting problem, symptoms and triggers
• Establish safe boundaries and preferences for bilateral stimulation
• Create and install resources and metaphors for nurturing, wisdom and peace
• Establish a signal for stop and keep going
• Target development
• Refine the picture or scene
• Integrate bilateral stimulation
• Check the target
• Explore the processing block
• Design and install imagination and Socratic interweaves
• Revisit the picture or scene
• Check the target
• Install a positive cognition (PC)
• Check the trigger scene
• Process the trigger scene with new feelings
• Check triggers
• Closing and debriefing

LAUREL PARNELL, PHD