"Nature itself is the best physician."
Often referred to as the "Father of Medicine," Hippocrates (circa 460 to 370 BCE) recognized the profound healing power of nature.
Register Now for this ReWilding EMDR™ course and learn how to offer this transformative approach to your EMDR practice that harnesses the power of nature.
Naturally Moving through the 8 Phases of EMDR for Profound Healing
Phase 1: History Taking and Case Conceptualization
The ReWilding EMDR™ approach to this phase focuses on the body, relationships, and environment, incorporating these elements into the case conceptualization. By applying the AIP model, we use nature as a safe gateway to access implicit memories and delve into intergenerational trauma. This approach creates a holistic foundation, optimizing the potential for healing right from the start.
Phase 2: Preparation
The ReWilding EMDR™ approach to this phase is a transformative experience where clients learn to regulate their autonomic nervous system by attuning to their body's natural wisdom. Through mindful movement, sound, and engaging with meaningful works like imagery, stories, and poetry, clients develop robust internal, relational, and nature-based resources. This phase is designed to harness the body's innate healing abilities, setting the stage for deeper therapeutic work.
Phase 3: Assessment
The ReWilding EMDR™ approach to this phase allows targets to naturally emerge as safety and support provided by nature invite implicit experiences to surface. This organic process allows for a more authentic identification of traumatic targets, making the therapy more effective. The integration of natural elements ensures that the client's experience is grounded and holistic, enhancing the traditional EMDR assessment.
Phase 4: Desensitization
The ReWilding EMDR™ approach to this phase utilizes natural bilateral stimulation methods such as walking or ambient sounds. These natural rhythms help resolve interrupted fight-or-flight responses, addressing trauma at its core. The inclusion of nature's elements enhances neural integration and trauma resolution, taking the EMDR process to a deeper, more effective level.
Phase 5: Installation
The ReWilding EMDR™ approach to this phase involves embodying positive cognitions with the grounding presence of nature. Clients strengthen these positive cognitions through nature-based activities, which support the integration of new, healthier beliefs. This phase ensures that positive changes are deeply rooted, leveraging nature’s stabilizing and nurturing influence.
Phase 6: Body Scan
The ReWilding EMDR™ approach to this phase employs a rotation of consciousness to release somatically stuck material, balancing the nervous system naturally. This process allows clients to connect more deeply with their bodies and release tension in a holistic manner. Nature’s calming presence aids in achieving a balanced and regulated state, enhancing the traditional body scan.
Phase 7: Closure
The ReWilding EMDR™ approach to this phase leverages the therapeutic power of the four elements—earth, water, fire, and air—to support nervous system equilibrium. Through playful and restorative activities, clients can ground and stabilize their progress. This phase ensures a gentle transition from therapy to daily life, reinforcing the gains made during the session.
Phase 8: Reevaluation
The ReWilding EMDR™ approach to this phase involves assessing current distress through nature-based mindfulness practices. This ongoing assessment ensures that the healing continues beyond the therapy sessions, fostering resilience and ongoing emotional regulation. The integration of nature in this phase supports a sustainable healing process, reinforcing the work done in previous phases.