The Nature of EMDR
The psychotherapeutic modality of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was born out in nature while founder Dr. Francine Shapiro was taking a walk in the woods, and noticed that as she walked, and her eyes moved side to side, the distress she was experiencing was decreasing. Originally coined as EMD in 1987, with study and development, the approach became the 8-stage EMDR protocol that includes reprocessing (R). While the process originated with the rapid eye movements, where the therapist either uses a light bar, or quickly moves their two fingers side to side, while the client’s eyes follow the movements with an activated amygdala (fight/flight), the approach has become much more client centered and includes many different versions of bilateral stimulation (BLS). It was hypothesized that the rapid eye movement process resembled REM sleep and the accelerated processing that occurs in the brain (PESI Inc, 2012), however there are other somatic and Transpersonal theories regarding the approach. Stein et al (2004) states that the most striking aspect of EMDR is its rapidly alternating kinesthetic and/or auditory component, which sets it apart from other forms of psychotherapy. Dr. Laurel Parnell’s adaptive version of EMDR that includes attachment focus (AF-EMDR) supports a more client centered approach that allows the client to introduce any type of bilateral stimulation, which could look like butterfly tapping, tapping on the legs, standing and swaying the arms side to side crossing the midline, marching the feet, using a drum, holding the buzzers from a Theratapper or Neurotek machine, or listening to alternating sounds with headphones. As long as it’s alternating back and forth and involves the body, one can use it in EMDR resourcing, desensitization and reprocessing. The client-centered approach of Parnell’s AF-EMDR allows for more client autonomy, increased utilization of attachment theory and the client-therapist alliance, and an inclusion of individual spirituality or Transpersonal elements.
The Process of EMDR and AF-EMDR
The process includes the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which Shapiro used to explain how the rapid change in positive resolution occurs (Shapiro, 2001). Theories explore how AIP, or the ability to change thoughts or beliefs about oneself or the world can be hindered or blocked by trauma, severe stress, and developmental trauma and abuse (Hase and Brisch, 2022). In other words, the trauma is stuck in the memory network at the age and stage as to which it occurred at. The BLS or tapping helps, as Parnell refers to it, to accelerate the process as if one had put their foot on the gas pedal (Deep Transformative Podcast, 2024). This rapid acceleration process, or what can also be referred to as the free mind-body association, is what clinicians refer to as the fast processing of trauma. That said, it is important to remember that every individual is different, and there are complexities and nuances to every case. Also, the desensitizing phase is only stage 4 out of 8 stages, so there is also preparation to that component, as well as closure and reassessment.
The 8 Stages of EMDR and AF-EMDR
Within EMDR and AF-EMDR, the client is the expert of the content reprocessing, and the therapist’s role is to facilitate the process while keeping it in a dynamic form (Hase and Brisch, 2002). The desensitization stage (stage 4) is introduced after a comprehensive history intake and case conceptualization (stage 1), preparation (stage 2) that includes resourcing (pendulation, peaceful place, grounding techniques, containment or container, and resource tapping). Parnell’s AF-EMDR includes a process she coined Resource Tapping, which is installation of positive attachment figures (Parnell, 2008). Assessment (stage 3) examines targets, target mapping and how it lights up the neural network. It’s important to recognize that AF-EMDR places a strong emphasis on frontloading resources, meaning that there is no fixed number of sessions one does in order to prepare for the desensitization. Preparation and resourcing cannot be skipped over as the therapist is ethically required to minimize harm within the therapeutic process. Likewise, after the desensitization (4) process, the following steps are followed to close; installing (5) a positive cognition, which happens after the client arrives at pairing a positive cognition to the traumatic memory or experience during the BLS and reprocessing phase, conducting a body scan (6) to assess if there is any remaining activation, closure (7) and re-evaluation (8) which address what to expect in between sessions or outside of therapy, and examining any new material, such as dreams or targets that arise.
Differences between AF-EMDR and EMDR
In AF-EMDR, although the model follows the standard 8 phases of EMDR, modifications have been made to allow for more client centeredness and client autonomy, which means there is more flexibility within the process. For instance, the validity of cognition (VOC) rating scale has been removed, as some clients struggle with rating and numbers, and there is no counting of the BLS sets. Parnell also moves away from rapid eye movements, detailing that in her experience clients prefer to close their eyes, go inside, and either tap (BLS), hold the handheld buzzers, or listen to alternating sounds during the process (PESI Inc, 2012). The inclusion of attachment focus (AF) not only means expanding EMDR for complex (CPTSD), childhood trauma, or small-t trauma, it also emphasizes Bowlby’s attachment theory, and how the predictability of an attachment figure is a good basis for the development of an infant, such as the predictability of the therapist may contribute to the development of the therapeutic relationship and efficacy of the AF-EMDR approach (Hase and Brisch, 2022). In one study, a participant offered that the standard EMDR protocol is really structured and feels as if the therapist is following a script, whereas Parnell’s AF-EMDR frees the therapist up to connect and be attuned with the client (Kaptan and Brayne, 2021). AF-EMDR also includes Parnell’s Resource Tapping after installing Peaceful Place, which invites the participant to imagine figures, real or imaginary, who contain the qualities of Nurturing, Protection, and Wisdom (Parnell, 2008). This process can be both challenging and healing, as many people may not have had experience with these qualities in real life with their family of origin or caretakers, and the flexibility of the exercise allows people to tap in fictional, historic, imaginary figures or characters who embody those qualities.
AF-EMDR, Transpersonal Psychology and Spirituality
Transpersonal psychology, the fourth wave that followed Humanistic Psychology, Behaviourists, and Freudian Psychology (psychodynamic), is an approach that includes the mind, body, and spirit, as well as altered states of consciousness and spiritually transformative experiences (STE). The term was first made known by psychiatrist Stanislov Grof and Anthony Sutich in the late 60’s, during a time when the Western world was undergoing many conflicts that included civil rights, feminist and women’s rights, anti-war demonstrations against the Vietnam War, and through this was the countercultural movement of the anti-establishment, tune in, turn off and drop out hippies. During this time, transpersonal experiences were led and explored by psychedelic pioneer’s, Grof, Harvard professor Timothy Leary, psychologist and later spiritual leader Richard Alpert (Ram Dass). These three transpersonal leaders researched and experimented with LSD and other psychedelics as a way to explore the Transpersonal realm and expanding one’s knowledge of the human mind and its perception (Williams, 2012).
Western culture is slowly integrating more holistic approaches to medicine and therapy, to both increase efficacy of practice, and to be more culturally inclusive and responsive. As the rise and awareness of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy (PAT) and plant medicine ceremonies comes into the public dialogue, there is an increased curiosity about altered states of consciousness. Monophasic cultures, for example, the West, base their understanding of reality almost solely on ordinary waking state experiences, whereas Polyphasic cultures make and create meaning from altered states of consciousness, for example shamanic rituals, visionary states, dream work, meditation, yoga, and use of psychedelic medicines for healing practices (Walsh and Vaughn, 2018). EMDR and AF-EMDR both utilize BLS or tapping within the mind-body, free associative state which can be viewed as meditative. Historically, rhythmic drumming, chanting, dancing, singing, or practices that include a kinesthetic and auditory beat act as an entry point to altered states, like trance or hypnosis (Stein et al., 2004). While EMDR uses a dual awareness process, where the participant is able to remain in the present moment while reprocessing a traumatic memory, there is more curiosity surrounding the question and theory of the BLS frequencies used in EMDR, such as tapping, drumming, alternating sounds, and if they mimic temporal cortical theta waves (Stein et al., 2004). Recent studies have shown that there is an increased relaxed states and comfortable feelings that are a result of the BLS while installing positive resources during resource development and installation (RDI) (Amano and Toichi, 2016). While EMDR has been shown to be effective regarding treating PTSD (APA 2025), there is another world to be examined, that Parnell offers as the Transpersonal experiences AF-EMDR clients undergo while they are in the mind-body, free associative state accompanied by tapping or BLS (Deep Transformation Podcast, 2024). Transpersonal psychology recognizes that human beings have the psychological capacities and potentials that exceed the conventions of Western psychology, and that there are opportunities to understand and synthesize these capacities by exploring consciousness and altered states, human nature, potentials and possibilities, and practices to induce these potentials (Walsh and Vaughn, 2018).
Who can EMDR or AF-EMDR Help?
If you are seeking out treatment for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex post traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), childhood trauma, birth trauma, betrayal trauma (affairs or infidelity), anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), depression, grief, phobias, EMDR may be able to help reduce your distress and install a positive cognition regarding yourself or the world. EMDR is also helpful for people who either do not want to or cannot verbalize their memories or distress. Since the desensitization and reprocessing stage is done mostly non-verbal, and includes body sensations and felt sense, the therapist does not require a detailed recount of what the client experienced in their head and body. It is a valuable somatic psychotherapeutic approach, that is recommended by the American Psychological Association (APA) as an intervention for treating trauma and PTSD (APA, 2025).
Author
Written by Melissa M White, Registered Psychotherapist and owner of Sojourn Psychotherapy located in Dundas Ontario. Melissa White is a trauma and relational therapist, actively utilizing AF-EMDR in her practice, and is currently practicing in Hamilton (Dundas) Ontario, as well as virtually within Canada. She has completed AF-EMDR 2 under the Parnell Institute and is under supervision and consultation for AF-EMDR. If you are interested in reaching out for a consultation, please visit the contact page at https://sojournpsychotherapy.ca or emails melissamichellewhite@gmail.com
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Resources
American Psychological Association. (2025). PTSD Treatments. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments
Amano, T., and Toichi, M. (2016). The Role of Alternating Bilateral Stimulation in Establishing Positive Cognition in EMDR Therapy: A Multi-Channel Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study. Public Library of Science, 11 (10), 1-11, https://10.1371/journal.pone.0162735
Deep Transformation Podcast. (2024, June 5). The Remarkable Transformative Power of EMDR Therapy with Dr. Laurel Parnell. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/NjKGKkUZz_c?si=6Aeu60VncnOH0vYt
Hase, M, and Brisch, K.H. (2022). The Therapeutic Relationship in EMDR Therapy. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1-7, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.835470
Kaptan, S. K., and Brayne, M. (2022). A qualitative study on clinicians’ perceptions of Attachment-Focused eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy. British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, 22, 594-605, https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12479
Parnell, L. (2008). Tapping In. Sounds True, Boulder CO.
PESI Inc. (2012, November 6). Resource Tapping for Trauma Seminar with Laurel Parnell, PH.D. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxB7mWtf3Vg
Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Stein, D., Rousseau, C., and Lacroix, L. (2004). Between Innovation and Tradition: The Paradoxical Relationship Between Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Altered States of Consciousness. Transcultural Psychiatry, 41:1, 5-30, https://doi.org/10.1177/1363461504041351
Williams, P. (2012). Looking back to see the future: The influence of humanistic and transpersonal psychology on coaching psychology today. International Coaching Psychology Review, 7 (2), 223-236, https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsicpr.2012.7.2.223
Vaughan, F, and Walsh, R. (2018). Exploring Consciousness: Fifty Years of Transpersonal Studies. The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 50 (1), 1-8, http://explore.bl.uk/primo_library/libweb/action/display.do?tabs=detailsTab&gathStatTab=true&ct=display&fn=search&doc=ETOCRN617898595&indx=1&recIds=ETOCRN617898595
