EMDR and EMDR Resource Tapping

EMDR is a highly effective protocol that many therapists (such as myself) use to help clients diffuse the power of trauma in their lives. I have seen EMDR time and time again help heal people from all kinds of distressing experiences.

Below Dr. Laurel Parnell speaks of “Resource Tapping” an EMDR tool that anyone can use on their own to reduce anxiety, enhance performance, and build self-esteem etc. When she speaks of using bi-lateral stimulation, she is referring to someone tapping alternately left then right on the sides of their thighs or crossing their arms over their chest and tapping their shoulders. (butterfly taping:) As an example, one would engage in this tapping while you close your eyes and go to your ideal peaceful place. Once you are mentally in your peaceful place and tapping, you seek to relax your whole body, breathe and notice the beauty around you (including the sounds and smells). It’s amazing how "tapping in” a peaceful place, a nurturing experience, a time we felt strong, etc. can bring about such positive results. I have seen it time and time again with my clients!

*Dr Laurel Parnell is also the author of many other great books on EMDR including Rewiring The Addicted Brain. (Truly revolutionary!)

In the new 5 series special called “The Me You Can’t See” by Apple TV, Prince Harry addresses his anxiety and trauma responses that he has carried into adulthood due to the extremely stressful circumstances of his mother’s life and his loss of her. In Series 1 he explains what he went through and in Series 3 he has an actual and very healing EMDR session with his therapist.