Authors
Michael Hase MD¹, Roger Solomon PhD^2
1EMDR Center, Im Kamp 9, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
²EMDR Institute, PO Box 750, Watsonville, CA, 95077 USA
Background and aims: The history of EMDR Therapy goes back to 1987, when it was introduced as EMD, a novel treatment for PTSD by Francine Shapiro. Over the course of time EMD developed into the comprehensive therapy approach named EMDR Therapy. The development of the ‚Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model’, the model of pathogenesis and change of EMDR Therapy, was a milestone in this development from technique to psychotherapy approach. Up to date EMDR Therapy offers not only a model of pathogenesis and change, but also a variety of treatment plans and techniques to treat patients of various diagnosis far beyond PTSD. A specific description of the therapeutic relationship in EMDR Therapy based on an attachment related perspective is now available (Hase and Brisch 2022). The concept needed evaluation.

Methods:
A survey amongst EMDR therapist was used to define therapists relational
experience in EMDR Therapy. The results will be discussed. Video examples of the developing therapeutic relationship, pitfalls and helpful techniques are used to illustrate key points. Exercises are offered to deepen the understanding and facilitate tranfer into clinical practice.

Results:
The data of the survey support the attachment based concept of the therapeuticrelationship in EMDR Therapy. Data will be presented and discussed.

Conclusions:
A description of the therapeutic relationship in EMDR Therapy is necessary at this point of the development of EMDR Therapy to a psychotherapeutic approach and therefore we try to describe the therapeutic relationship and point out parallels between the therapeutic relationship and the development and core features of an attachment based relationship. The implications for training and application of EMDR Therapy will be discussed. Video examples of the developing therapeutic relationship, pitfalls and helpful techniques are used to illustrate key points. Exercises are offered to deepen the understanding and facilitate tranfer into clinical practice.

Abstract topic:
EMDR Therapy, Psychotherapy, Attachment, Therapeutic Relationship, Resourcing

References
1. Hase, M. and Brisch, K.H. (2022) The Therapeutic Relationship in EMDR Therapy. Front. Psychol.
13:835470. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.835470