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EMDR and Perinatal Trauma:
Given its specialization in dealing with trauma, EMDR seems to be an ideal therapeutic approach for handling perinatal trauma. Recent research has revealed the following promising findings in this area:
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EMDR can help reduce symptoms of postpartum PTSD, depression, and anxiety
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It can aid in the healing of traumatic birth experiences, promoting better maternal-infant bonding
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EMDR is effective in helping individuals cope with grief and loss following miscarriage or stillbirth
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It can assist in resolving traumatic memories
related to pregnancy complications and medical interventions -
EMDR may improve overall emotional well-being for mothers, fathers, and babies affected by perinatal trauma
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How do I use EMDR with perinatal clients?
The short answer is that we use EMDR in the exact same manner as we would with any other client. Using EMDR to address the concerns of perinatal clients means conceptualizing their presenting problem through this AIP/trauma lens and reprocessing the relevant maladaptively stored material. For example, if a client is experiencing perinatal anxiety, the source of the anxiety is explored and reprocessed. If they have experienced a recent perinatal loss, we might use an EMDR recent events protocol if there are any pieces of the experience which have been inadequately processed. We know that this stage of life brings distinctive challenges and opportunities. This continues to be the case in using EMDR as a healing modality. We continue to hold space for emotion, build therapeutic alliance, validate, normalize, highlight distorted self-beliefs, educate on healthy relationship/attachment as well as defining needs and asking for them to be met. In using EMDR, how we see those things and address them shifts.
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I was trained in EMDR in 2024 and I have earned the designation of EMDRIA-Approved EMDR basic training, I am in the process of completing the certification and subsequent of becoming a consultant/ supervisor.
