On our June 6th installment of Tuesday Tea with Touchstone, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) specialist, Leslie Pertz, LMSW, PMH-C, NIC, shared invaluable insights into EMDR Phase 2 Resourcing, with special considerations for clients in the perinatal period.

Here are a few key takeaways from Leslie's talk:

1. The Power of Emotions and Bodily Sensations

Leslie emphasizes the need to connect emotions with bodily sensations, helping clients identify and name their feelings. This understanding forms a critical part of the EMDR preparation phase.

2. Embrace Chair Yoga and Breathing Exercises

These exercises are great tools to foster body awareness and build emotional regulation and resilience. Remember, adapt the exercises to suit your client's individual abilities and comfort.

3. Slow Tap in Positivity

This technique allows clients to reinforce positive experiences and emotions. Leslie notes that this has become an integral part of her clients' language and process.

4. Redefining Mindfulness

Mind wandering is normal. Leslie urges clinicians to normalize this process and present mindfulness as an achievable practice for everyone.

5. Adapting to Unique Circumstances

When working with clients with unique circumstances, such as significant hearing loss, it's essential to modify your strategies. Leslie, for instance, avoids approaches that require simultaneous use of visual and auditory stimuli.

6. Navigating the Therapy Journey

Leslie acknowledges the challenging journey that EMDR therapy can be for clients. She underlines the importance of ensuring clients have sufficient resources and maintaining focus on their individual needs, regardless of external pressures or timelines.

Incorporating these strategies into your practice can enhance your approach to EMDR therapy and facilitate profound healing for your clients. Remember, in Leslie's words, "this is hard work," but with the right resources and preparation, you are helping your clients navigate towards recovery.

Are you an EMDR trained therapist looking for consultation as you integrate EMDR into your practice? Learn more about Leslie's consultation services!

If you missed the live event, don't worry! You can still view the recording and slides:

Looking to continue the conversation and connect with other providers? Don't miss our next Tuesday Tea on June 20, 2023 with Jasmine Adams, LCSW, PMH-C!

Mentioned Resources:

1. Dissociation & Additional Resources, ICM

2. Dissociation Made Simple: A Stigma-Free Guide to Embracing Your Dissociative Mind and Navigating Daily Life, Jamie Marich, PhD

3. Ego-State Approaches for Perinatal Mental Health Course, The Touchstone Institute

4. Four Blinks Version of Flask: An Open Approach to Trauma Reprocessing, Rapid Memory Reconsolidation Resources

5. How to do the EFT Tapping Basics - The Basic Recipe, The Gary Craig Official EFT™ Training Centers

6. How to Help Your Clients Understand Their Window of Tolerance, NICABM

7. My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Mending of Our Bodies and Hearts, Resmaa Menakem

8. Resource Development and Installation Script, Andrew M. Leeds, PhD

9. Tapping In: A Step-by-Step Guide to Activating Your Healing Resources through Bilateral Stimulation, Laurel Parnell, PhD

10. Using EMDR Therapy with Children: Tools and Tricks Course, EMDRIA

11. Wheel of Fortunate Resources, R. Kiessling & S. Darlington

12. Easy Ego State Interventions: Strategies for Working With Parts, Robin Shapiro

13. EFT/Tapping Instructions, Leslie Pertz