EMDR for Preverbal Trauma

Trauma is most often experienced as memories of painful events with intrusive distressful reminders. When this is the case, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, or EMDR for short is approach is to target these memories for reprocessing which is a reset of how the memory is stored in the brain. However, when trauma occurs early in life even during pregnancy, memories aren’t formed in the same manner. Instead, the body holds the memory as a physical felt sense and through sensory symptoms. There simply are no words. In this situation, EMDR utilizing a body centered focus is effective in accessing the way the body has “remembered” the uncomfortable symptoms indicating the trauma occurred.

“Our sensory world takes shape even before we are born. In the womb we feel amniotic fluid against our skin. We hear the faint sounds of rushing blood and a digestive track at work, we pitch and roll with our mother’s movements. After birth, physical sensations define our relationship to ourselves and to our surroundings… A cacophony of incomprehensive sounds and images presses in on our pristine nervous system. These events are shaping us, even as we don’t recall them.”
Bessel Van Der Kolk. “The Body Keeps the Score”

With the EMDR preverbal approach, the focus is on periods of time instead of memories, with body sensations and what you see, hear, smell, or taste when you review the time-period. The review process asks you to listen through the eyes of your body and your senses instead of your mind/memory when focused on a time-period. The timeframes are usually 3-month periods, but this can vary depending on individual needs.

The process includes tapping on your ankles by the therapist or self-tapping when preferred while focusing on whatever signs of trauma are present. Usually this is very well tolerated and easier to experience without memory attached to it. The process is repeated until the ages of 3-4 or when memories arise. Further interventions to assist healing of any remaining attachment distress are utilized throughout preverbal trauma treatment.

Additional Preverbal Trauma Interventions

Ego State Therapy: An Overview

Ego State Therapy (EST) is a therapeutic approach that operates on the premise that individuals possess distinct parts or “ego states” within their psyche. These ego states can be thought of as different aspects of a person’s personality, each with its own memories, emotions, and behaviors. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of trauma treatment, where individuals may experience fragmentation of their identity due to distressing events.

Trauma Treatment Use

In trauma treatment, Ego State Therapy aims to identify and integrate these fragmented parts. The therapist works collaboratively with the client to explore different ego states—often referred to as “child parts,” “adult parts,” or “parental parts.” The goal is to foster healing by addressing the needs and emotions of these wounded child parts. By acknowledging and validating their experiences, clients can begin to reintegrate these aspects into their overall sense of self.

Techniques Used in Ego State Therapy

Several techniques are employed in Ego State Therapy:

Identification of Ego States: The therapist helps the client recognize different ego states through guided imagery or dialogue.
Communication with Parts: Clients are encouraged to engage in conversations with their various ego states. This process allows for expression and exploration of feelings that may have been suppressed.
Healing Interventions: Once identified, therapists facilitate healing interventions aimed at nurturing and comforting wounded child parts. This might involve visualizations or role-playing scenarios where clients can provide support to these inner children.
Integration Process: The final step involves integrating these healed parts back into the client’s overall identity, promoting a more cohesive sense of self.

Research Support

Research has shown that Ego State Therapy can be effective for individuals dealing with trauma-related symptoms. Studies indicate improvements in emotional regulation and symptom reduction following therapy sessions focused on integrating fragmented ego states (Watkins & Watkins, 1997). Furthermore, practitioners have reported positive outcomes when using EST for conditions like PTSD and complex trauma.

In summary, Ego State Therapy provides a structured framework for understanding how traumatic experiences can fragment an individual’s psyche and offers therapeutic techniques aimed at healing and integration.

Attachment Repair Therapy

Attachment Repair Therapy: An Overview

Attachment repair therapy, often referred to as attachment-based therapy, is a therapeutic approach that focuses on addressing and healing the emotional wounds stemming from early attachment experiences. This form of therapy is grounded in attachment theory, which was developed by psychologist John Bowlby. It emphasizes the importance of secure attachments formed during childhood and how these relationships influence emotional and relational patterns in adulthood.

Understanding Attachment Issues

Attachment issues arise when a child’s emotional or physical needs are not adequately met by their primary caregivers. These unmet needs can lead to various attachment styles, including secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachments. Individuals with insecure attachment styles may struggle with forming healthy relationships, managing emotions, and maintaining self-esteem throughout their lives.

Attachment repair therapy provides an effective framework for understanding and healing from early relational traumas that impact adult life. By focusing on building trust within therapeutic relationships and exploring past experiences, individuals can foster healthier connections with themselves and others.

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