Re:Loss of Affect: can EMDR help?

I can't do a specific case consultation here -- not what we do. However, let me offer some general points about loss of affect. There is a term, "alexythymia" that is used two ways, sometimes it is used to refer to the inability to name emotions, and sometimes it is used to refer to the inability to feel emotions.

In either case, it is very wise for the EMDR therapist to incorporate this issue as a first matter to address in early EMDR work, along with containment and other preparatory and safety steps that we always do.

If a person can't name emotions, but can have them, the EMDR can proceed somewhat normally, though oddly, as the client won't be able to describe their emotions. This can make it hard for the therapist to "drive" the EMDR process, or get it unstuck if needed.

If a person (client I mean) can't feel feelings, then the EMDR can't proceed to an adaptive resolution. In that case, the first work should address how the person learned, for example, that it wasn't permissible or safe to have or express emotions, or have or express needs. That should be the first target using the standard EMDR protocol, treating emotional avoidance as a phobia, that is, phobic avoidance of emotions. Otherwise the EMDR will just loop and loop, because the process would be pulling up emotions that the client would necessarily block.

You may wish to print out this page and discuss it with your therapist, who can design your treatment appropriately.

Replies:

Re:Loss of Affect: can EMDR help?, by by Ellenberger, 06/28/01 Re:Loss of Affect: can EMDR help?, by Sandra Paulsen Inobe, PhD, 06/28/01

| Behavior OnLine Home Page | Disclaimer |

Copyright © 1996-2004 Behavior OnLine, Inc. All rights reserved.