THE POWER OF EMDR & GLIMMERS FROM POLYVAGAL THERAPY
Hola Familia Calidad! If you’ve been following along with us here on our blog, you may read our previous post titled Triggers VS. Glimmers: Learning To Identify Impactful Moments In Life where we explored the the nature of those individual experiences and how they impact our perspective as we navigate life. I want to broaden our understanding of this today and continue that conversation by diving into the power of EMDR and glimmers from Polyvagal Therapy! ✨
Before we begin, let’s break down these terms!
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
is a groundbreaking therapy technique that helps us process and heal from past traumas.
Polyvagal Therapy
Polyvagal Therapy is inspired by the incredible work of Dr. Stephen Porges which focuses on our body’s intricate and unique response to stress and trauma, especially surrounding the nervous system. This approach understanding the body encourages us to tap into our “glimmers” - those moments of joy, connection, and resilience that make life so beautiful. 🌟
The Power Of Glimmers And EMDR
As a EMDR Therapist, I use glimmers as a unique way to help my clients to connect with themselves and practice grounding. This is an extremely helpful tool during sessions because it allows us to collaboratively identify and receive all of the senses encapsulated in positive experiences. We then go deeper into the experience by incorporating BLS (Bi Lateral Stimulation), which can look like eye movement, tapping, rocking, and walking. Those are some examples of BLS that allow clients to connect with themselves and communicate safety to their nervous symptoms, which can have a cascade of positive impacts on the body!
Here is an example of how I would help clients access their glimmers: If I client comes in and tells me that they just experienced an energizing walk before their appointment, I would ask them:
“What was the best part of your walk or is there an image that represents the best part of the walk?”
“What did you discover or believe to be true about yourself during that walk or when you reflect on that walk”
“What are some emotions connected to that walk?”
“Can you identify the sensations in your body as you recall the memory and verbalize these answers? Notice the subtle ways your body may be responding.”
After asking those questions, I would then incorporate the Bi Lateral Stimulation! Keep in mind, glimmers don’t have to be big or extravagant life events. They can be simple things that stimulate positive responses from your body such as drinking a glass of water, soaking in sunlight, or going for a walk.
Tell us in the comments below what glimmers in life bring you joy and how they impact you on a deeper level!
AUTHORS
Elizabeth Sanchez LMFT, Kai Vibar, and Savannah Wilde
Disclaimer: This is not intended to be therapy or replace therapy in any way.