In early March, I attended an EMDR 2.0 Masterclass designed for experienced practitioners to further develop their skills. The focus was on working at the source of challenges (rather than just the symptoms) and expanding the range of strategies available within the EMDR 2.0 approach.
So, what is EMDR 2.0?
In simple terms, it helps create a pathway for your brain to process difficult or “stuck” memories that may feel overwhelming due to their intensity.
During a session, we briefly bring a memory into awareness while engaging in a series of tasks (such as eye movements or simple problem-solving). This gently “taxes” the working memory, allowing the memory to fragment and be processed more effectively. As this happens, the emotional intensity and distress associated with the memory tend to reduce over time.
EMDR 2.0 was developed in the Netherlands by Professor Ad de Jongh and Dr Suzy Matthijssen, with strong research supporting its effectiveness. Let us know if you would like to read any of the research.
It doesn’t replace traditional EMDR, but adds another evidence-based option to support your therapy journey.
And for a little extra insight:
One of the powerful approaches within EMDR and EMDR 2.0 is known as “Blind to Therapist.” This means you do not need to share the specific details of your memory or experience with me in order for the process to be effective.
This can be especially helpful when working with experiences such as abuse, where feelings of shame or embarrassment may be present, or in situations where confidentiality is essential—such as military or police operations.