What is EMDR Resourcing?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is quickly becoming one of the most popular types of therapy in the world. Typically, therapists use EMDR to help people process trauma and reduce symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Another common, though lesser known, application of EMDR is an intervention called “resourcing.” This is a powerful technique that EMDR therapists and clients should be aware of and that should be part of most EMDR treatment plans.
What is EMDR Resourcing?
EMDR resourcing is an intervention that helps people create mental “resources” they can utilize during therapy and in everyday life. These resources help clients stay regulated when processing their trauma and provide them with skills needed to navigate daily stressors.
Resourcing commonly occurs during Phase 2 (Preparation) of EMDR. In this phase, therapists help clients develop the skills they need to confront their trauma safely. Therapists collaborate with clients to identify the skills they lack, which can then be created with resourcing.
Once the need for a resource is identified, the therapist and client follow a protocol to “strengthen” the resource. First, the client chooses a name for the resource. Common names for resources are “safety,” “calm,” or “courage.” Next, the client focuses on the mental picture, thoughts, feelings, and body sensations associated with the resource. The therapist then applies short sets of slow bilateral stimulation (BLS). This procedure continues as the client’s positive feelings continue to grow.
After the resource has been strengthened, the client practices using it in session. They’ll focus on a mild stressor from the past week before shifting their focus to the resource they just strengthened, allowing them to move from feeling stressed to feeling positive.
Let me give an example to help explain. Imagine a client named Ted seeks EMDR after being in a traumatic car accident. Although he’s eager to process the accident, Ted is unable to think about it without becoming overwhelmed. One of the resources Ted may need to successfully process his trauma is the ability to stay calm when thinking about the accident.
Ted chooses to name his resource “safety.” He then chooses a mental picture that represents feeling safe and focuses on his positive thoughts, feelings, and sensations. As he thinks about these, his therapist applies a set of slow BLS, which strengthens Ted’s feelings of safety. Next, Ted practices using this resource by thinking about a stressor from this past week. He then uses his “safety” resource to return to feeling calm.
Why is EMDR Resourcing Important?
EMDR resourcing is a valuable tool that is important for several reasons. First, resourcing allows clients to stay safe while processing trauma. Participating in EMDR without the proper resources can be retraumatizing, leaving the client worse off than before.
Additionally, resourcing can be a lifesaver when it comes to dealing with everyday stressors. People who had difficult upbringings may, by no fault of their own, lack the skills needed to navigate the stress of daily life. Resourcing can quickly help them learn these skills so they can go through life more enjoyably.
Lastly, resourcing can be a powerful tool for correcting relational trauma. When we’re little, we need lots of love and care from our parents. People who don’t receive this nurturing often struggle later in life. Through resourcing, adults who were neglected as children can have the experience of feeling loved and cared for by a caregiver, providing tons of mental health benefits.
EMDR Resourcing vs. Reprocessing
EMDR resourcing is different from EMDR processing in several ways. First, the goal of resourcing differs from the goal of reprocessing. The goal of resourcing is to provide clients with an array of skills needed to confront traumatic memories. In contrast, the goal of reprocessing is to confront and process these traumatic memories.
Additionally, the client’s experience is very different during resourcing compared to reprocessing. Resourcing is meant to feel positive and is focused on pleasant mental imagery. In contrast, reprocessing can feel distressing and focuses on past trauma.
The way BLS is applied is also different with resourcing compared to reprocessing. In resourcing, BLS is slow. The sets are short, typically with 4-12 passes per set. In contrast, reprocessing BLS moves much quicker, typically going as fast as the client feels comfortable. The sets are also longer, sometimes lasting up to 30+ passes.
Is EMDR Resourcing Effective?
The short answer is yes! EMDR resourcing can be a highly effective intervention for reducing symptoms of PTSD and other types of distress. Anecdotally, I’ve had clients almost fall asleep because they became so relaxed during a resourcing session.
There’s also a plethora of research attesting to its efficacy. For example, one study from 2002 stated that resourcing “can be effective in reducing distress and associated behaviors in Complex PTSD while increasing self-capacities and readiness for middle phase, trauma focused-work…”
As an EMDR therapist, I believe that resourcing is part of any good treatment plan.
Types of EMDR Resourcing
One of the coolest things about resourcing is that almost anything can serve as a resource. Moments of confidence, calmness, and courage from throughout the week are often strengthened and stored as resources that clients can use later. Here are some of the most common resources EMDR therapists strengthen in their clients.
Calm, safe place. This is probably the resource used most frequently in EMDR therapy. With this resource, clients imagine a calm, safe place. It can be a place that’s real or imaginary, a place they’ve been before, somewhere they want to go, or somewhere that’s completely fantasy – the only important thing is that when they’re there, they feel calm and safe. This resource helps clients stay calm when confronting their trauma and stay grounded in the middle of life’s stressors.
Container. Trauma survivors are sometimes bombarded with distressing mental images of their experiences. The container resource gives clients a secure place to store these images, along with any other stressors they may be experiencing. Clients imagine a container that is strong enough to hold any distressing information they want to put inside. They notice the shape and size of their container, adding any support needed to make it secure. Next, they imagine putting their stress or trauma into the container before locking it tight. This resource allows clients to stay in the present whenever trauma threatens to pull them into the past. It’s important to note that this resource is not the same thing as avoidance; rather, it gives clients the ability to choose when and where they process their trauma.
Nurturing, Protective Figure. Remember when I said that resourcing can help heal relational trauma? That’s the goal of a nurturing, protective figure. With this resource, clients imagine someone who they feel is nurturing and protective. This can be a person from the client’s life, religious figures, celebrities, cartoon characters – the possibilities are endless. The client can even imagine several figures who take on different roles if they need to. This resource allows clients to have the experience of being nurtured and protected, something that’s crucial for healing from trauma.
Conclusion
In conclusion, EMDR resourcing is a great place to start when healing from trauma. It’s powerful and effective, and most clients report having a positive experience with it. If you’re interested in learning more about resourcing or experiencing it for yourself, be sure to contact me – I’d love to help you feel the benefits of EMDR resourcing!
