What Is Attachment-Focused EMDR?

Our early relationships shape the way the mind and brain develop from our young years into our adult lives. These connections shape how we view our selves, think, feel, remember, and behave in our future relationships.

Attachment-focused EMDR (AF-EMDR) extends the use and benefits of EMDR and bilateral stimulation for use with people who have typically been less responsive to traditional EMDR protocols due to acute or chronic relational trauma. Examples of relational trauma include childhood physical or sexual abuse, neglect, early losses, birth trauma, medical trauma, parental drug or alcohol abuse, caregiver misattunement, and the cumulative effects of all.

Developed by Laurel Parnell, PhD, AF-EMDR emphasizes a reparative therapeutic relationship using a combination approach of (1) Resource Tapping™ (Parnell, 2008) to strengthen clients and repair developmental deficits, (2) EMDR to process traumas, and (3) talk therapy.

Using Dr. Parnell’s modified protocol with a focus on repairing those early attachment wounds, when blockages are cleared, individuals often experience a sense of joy, openness, and deeper connection with others.

(Text source: Parnell Institute)