69. Flying Blind - ways to help unspeakable shame. Blind to therapist protocol in EMDR therapy

In this episode, Dr. Caroline Lloyd explores the highly effective "Blind to Therapist" EMDR protocol. Sometimes, the shame attached to a traumatic event is simply too excruciating or unspeakable for a client to verbalize. Instead of spending months or years trying to get a client to narrate their trauma, therapists can use the Blind to Therapist protocol to provide immediate relief. Dr. Lloyd breaks down how to set up this protocol and its various applications beyond shame.

Key Points:

• Tackling Unspeakable Shame: Why traditional talk therapy can stall when dealing with profound shame, and how EMDR offers a faster path to relief.

• What is the Blind to Therapist Protocol? A walkthrough of how to use standard EMDR processing (identifying Negative/Positive Cognitions, emotions, body sensations, and SUDs) while the client keeps the specific image or event entirely private.

• Additional Uses for the Protocol:

o Confidentiality Constraints

o Vicarious Trauma

o Cultural Issues

o Communication Barriers

o Translator Confidentiality

Resources Mentioned:

• Upcoming Webinar: ‘Shame in Clinical Practice’. Learn more about the role and function of shame, how to identify it, and practical suggestions for working through it. Happening June 4th (Available as an on-demand webinar for future listeners).