Live in Your Present Moment
Trauma-Informed Therapy for Adults
About Robin Blackwell, LCSW
I received my MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1999 and relocated to New Mexico in 2000. I have experience in treating substance use disorders as well as depression, anxiety, and trauma, both acute and chronic. I work from a client-centered and Attachment Theory perspective and rely on a broad range of psychotherapeutic techniques including Psychodynamic, CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy), IFS (Internal Family Systems), and am certified in Attachment-Focused EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) through the Parnell Institute. I deeply value the importance of connection and safety and feel it is necessary for meaningful and productive work with clients. My guiding belief is that resolution of trauma allows us to live in the present moment and we must hold that moment with an open hand.
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR therapy approaches psychological, behavioral and emotional problems from a trauma perspective. The theory behind EMDR is that adverse experiences – namely negative life events that overwhelm one’s capacity to cope – are not processed adaptively in the brain. Instead of becoming part of someone’s personal story in a psychologically healthy way, traumatic memories are stored independently like unchanging “recordings”. Those recorded memories retain the most original properties of the traumatic event, such as the distressing emotions and bodily sensations felt at the time it occurred. Once a traumatic memory is re-stimulated, those feelings may be "triggered" all over again, with or without one’s full awareness. In EMDR therapy, those upsetting memories are reprocessed with the help of bilateral stimulation (eye movement, auditory tones or tapping), so that they become integrated into the brain’s memory network. EMDR therapy does not erase traumatic memories but edits them, so that you can look back at what has happened to you with confidence and ease. EMDR gives you the freedom to enjoy life without feeling controlled by your negative emotions.
What is Attachment-Focused EMDR and how is it different?
Attachment-Focused EMDR (AF-EMDR) approaches trauma treatment from a relational trauma angle. Relational trauma is trauma that occurs “in the context of a relationship” (Parnell, 2013), be it with a mother and/or father, a relative, caregiver, or any significant other. It may result in a failure to provide adequate care, as to attend to a child and adolescent’s emotional needs. Relational trauma may also follow neglect, physical, sexual, and/or emotional/psychological abuse committed by a person of trust. Being raised in a dysfunctional family, by a depressed, anxious, and/or toxic parent, with a substance abuse problem and/or a personality disorder (narcissistic, borderline, schizoid, etc.), as well as having a loving relationship with someone that suffers from any of those problems, may also be at the root of relational trauma. AF-EMDR helps the client heal attachment wounds through resource tapping and a client-centered approach. It emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship in creating a sense of trust, empathy, and safety in the client. By learning new coping skills, how to self-soothe and manage his or her emotions more effectively in the presence of a trusted other, the client becomes able to rebuild a healthier view of the world and themself.
What to expect in an Attachment-Focused EMDR session
In your first AF-EMDR therapy session, we will get to know each other. I will take your history and you will talk about your problem and symptoms. I will give you a brief overview of AF-EMDR and explain how reprocessing works in theory and practice. This is an opportunity for you to talk openly about what is bothering you and clarify whatever doubts you might have about individual therapy and AF-EMDR.
The subsequent sessions may include the following:
- Safe/Peaceful place and resources installation
- Dealing with a traumatic image (worst part of the traumatic memory)
- Exploring body sensations and emotions
- Identifying a negative cognition that is associated with that image
- Desensitization and reprocessing: focus on the image, body sensations, emotions and negative cognition combined with bilateral stimulation
- Body scan
- Installation of positive cognition
- Closure and debrief (return to safe/peaceful place, resource tapping)
**It is important to know that not every client is appropriate or ready for AF-EMDR. We will explore this together and discuss the limits and benefits of this therapy as it relates to your goals.
Clinical Supervision and consultation
More information coming soon!
Upcoming classes
More information coming in April 2024!
Robin Blackwell, LCSW, LLC
4810 Hardware Dr. NE Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 440-9303 balancedmind505@gmail.com INSURANCE ACCEPTED: Presbyterian, Presbyterian Centennial, BCBS, BCBS Centennial, Molina, and United Healthcare. **AS OF 4/1/2024 I NO LONGER CONTRACT WITH MEDICARE OR PRESBYTERIAN SENIOR CARE **
