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Chapter 23: EMDR With Issues of Appearance, Aging, and Class

DOI:

10.1891/9780826163424.0023

Authors

  • Shapiro, Robin

Abstract

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapists are trained to work with the “real” trauma of war, sexual abuse, violence, cataclysmic events, and car accidents. The shame that underlies issues of appearance, aging, and socially constructed differences are necessary, appropriate, and helpful targets for many clients. Regional, social class, family, and gender mores dictate appearance parameters. This chapter presents some examples of a way-too-typical body-hating woman, funny looking kid, and invisible woman. Therapist’s assessments include the client’s cultural contexts, attachment histories, trauma histories, temperaments, and actual appearances. An EMDR therapist looks carefully at client’s cognitions, emotions, and body sensations. Some people navigate the aging process with grace; grieving, then accepting the alterations of time. EMDR therapy will not halt the aging process, but can assist people to mourn their former bodies and accept their current ones.