Ep 39: Clinical Reasoning and Standard Protocol: How to trust the process when the script isn't working
Y’all know that I believe EMDR is magic. And I think, among the many reasons, the magic of EMDR lies within its structure.
It can feel safe to hear and repeat the message of “stick to the script and trust the process.” And while the message has a positive intention, it's just not good enough.
In fact, it's basic. And EMDR is too sophisticated to be basic.
At first we see the benefit of this message with our peers in basic training exercises and single-incident trauma clients in our practices; it feels reassuring and so we internalize it.
But then something troublesome can happen.
When a complex trauma client walks through our door and the line-by-line script doesn’t offer what that client needs, we get cold feet with EMDR.
And not only do we lose trust in the process, but we lose trust in ourselves.
Sticking to the script and trusting the process should no longer be the default message in basic EMDR training or Facebook comments for those seeking consultation. We deserve more nuance than that because we are far beyond basic.
So, I’d like to offer something different. What if this idea just meant that we believe in the power of EMDR, the value of the 8 Phases, and that we trust the AIP model? And what if we used this as encouraging blueprint instead of a line-by-line script to be repeated?
If we can alter the way that we value the structure of EMDR, we can alter the relationship that we have with ourselves as EMDR clinicians.
Listen to my most recent podcast to understand how we limit ourselves with this message and what we can do instead.
You deserve to trust yourself because EMDR is magic… and so are you.
---
If you're looking for clinical consultation that's going to offer you frameworks and insight to strengthen your EMDR training, I encourage you to check out The Consultation Program. Apply today to embark on an eight month journey in the only comprehensive consultation program out there.
I promise you, there's nothing like it.
---
Zero Disturbance offers comprehensive resources for therapists on EMDR-informed clinical reasoning, intensive design, passive income systems, & teaching excellence.
- Ready to get started in the Zero Disturbance community? Access our favorite free resources in The Zero Disturbance Welcome Bundle, full of free videos and downloads to help you develop your clinical reasoning skills, as well as ways to feel like an intentional designer of high-value offerings like intensives and passive income. Use these free resources to make the seemingly impossible feel absolutely accessible!
- Ready to set up intensive therapy options in your practice? It's time to get you out of back-to-back, 50 minute sessions and experience real financial freedom. We supported hundreds of therapists make this successful transition, and are excited to help you, too! Design an intensive model that works best for you with The Intensive Design Kit!
- Ready to go all in and work with Kambria? You should be surrounded by life-long learners who are encouraging, learner-centered, and transparent about the success of their business as you build yours. All therapists are welcome, and EMDRIA hours available for those with EMDR focused practices. Whether you're seeking Certification, AC, or already a Consultant, we encourage you to get clinical and business strategies in The Consultation Program because there's nothing like it.
With a Masters in Education from Vanderbilt, Kambria has been creating trainings and teaching adult learners for 20 years. As Director of Education and Quality Improvement at Stanford Medical School, her job was to decomplicate and consolidate complex systems and topics, thereby giving medical trainees successful learning experiences. Now, as a busy mom of fraternal twins, dedicated business owner of Zero Disturbance, and EMDRIA Approved Consultant, Kambria knows what it means to do things efficiently, effectively, and in a learner-centered way.
