EMDR and the Psychology of the Body: Therapy Aimed at Increasing Awareness in Trauma

Psychological trauma — is an everyday event. Those of us who work as psychotherapists are asked to talk about the painful consequences of our clients' most difficult life experiences. People come into our offices feeling burdened by symptoms that limit their ability to feel alive and full of energy. Our clients appear at pivotal moments in their lives and ask us to wisely guide them through the most challenging times. They may believe that they will never be safe again or that they currently have no choice in their thoughts and feelings. Some feel shocked, numb, and cut off from their feelings. Others are overcome with fear and panic. Most importantly, psychological trauma also leaves a mark on the body. As a result, clients experience unbearable sensations, and sometimes their body may feel foreign. We sit with our clients as they struggle to breathe or lose their orientation due to dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. If we, as psychotherapists, do not know how to maintain bodily awareness in moments of such intense emotional expression, we risk distancing ourselves from our clients or being overwhelmed by the process.