A Therapist's Guide to EMDR: Tools and Techniques for Successful Treatment

by Laurel Parnell

A Therapist's Guide to EMDR reviews the theoretical basis for EMDR and presents new information on the neurobiology of trauma. It provides a detailed explanation of the procedural steps along with helpful suggestions and modifications. Areas essential to successful utilization of EMDR are emphasized. These include: case conceptualization; preparation for EMDR trauma processing, including resource development and installation; target development; methods for unblocking blocked processing, including the creative use of interweaves; and session closure. Case examples are used throughout to illustrate concepts. The emphasis in this book is on clinical usefulness, not research. This book goes into the therapy room with clinicians who actually use EMDR, and shows readers how to do it in practice, not just in theory. In short, this is the new, practical book on EMDR.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Nonfiction, Audiobook

384 pages, Hardcover

First published December 15, 2006

Reviews

[Roberta Sorenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was freeing. If you are feeling anxious about doing EMDR after reading the Shapiro text, read this book. Shapiro discovered this technique in the 90s while going for a walk. Somehow moving her eyes back and forth while walking desensitized her to something that was a stressor for her. Then, she developed this highly structured, manualized protocol and preaches to clinicians that they must do the procedures exactly as she prescribes. Parnell gives you permission to use your clinical judgment and creativity making EMDR a much more adaptable technique to use with clients. She does not scold you, but encourages you to give EMDR your own flavor.

[Lisa Butterworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear and thorough practical guide, and a much needed guide to tailoring the somewhat rigid emdr format for each individual client, as well as a myriad of examples, case studies, and tools for implementation. Also very readable.

[Sheila Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much better than the EMDR class I attended.

[Jillybb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve reread this book several times since purchasing it. It is a brilliant premise on EMDR. It would have been improved if the author had included more scenarios in which things did not go right, when clients became so frightened or overwhelmed by their abreactions that they never returned. EMDR is not all sunny roses. It is deeply painful to do and to observe. This was not captured at all. Still a great book if you can read it with that caveat in mind.

[Kasey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the material repeats itself and some chapters are looong. But overall this is an excellent guide and I find myself thinking about the techniques and concepts in sessions. The book has been helpful to hone my skills and become a little more focused in the right areas. Increased confidence. I will definitely refer to it often and use it like a manual.

[Rhea · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best way to learn EMDR is by doing it, but since reading helps shore up all you’re learning in the doing, this manual is vital. All the case examples were really helpful.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers great tools and techniques for anyone who is new to EMDR or even those who are not new. It offers great case examples and is in a very easy to read format.

[Cassandra Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very useful guide to enhancing my clients EMDR treatment

[Rose Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to Tapping-in, and Attachment Focused EMDR. Very helpful.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read.

[Jake Hunsaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good guide, but was quite repetitive and didn’t need to be so long.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful follow up to EMDR basic training, a good refresher and helpful for continuing my learning as well.

[Yz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!! 🩷

[Lindsey Hawkins Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear guide to EMDR. Not a book you can quickly breeze through, but it's a great guide.

[Brennan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been using EMDR in my practice for the past year, and the results have been remarkable. Laurel Parnell gives therapists an easy road map to applying it in clinical practice. It's a little long, but has many great ideas that can be immediately used in therapy.

[Kiera Gardner]

I want to read this book because my therapist introduced EMDR into my therapy, and I do feel that it works.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent guide for those interested in practicing EMDR.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been very helpful in my practice.

[Laura]

Excellent

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really helpful work for EMDR therapists. Maybe, occasionally, too many words, but overall, great.