The Power of Reflection and Connection in EMDR Practice
As therapists, we often hold space for others to explore their deepest emotions and long-buried memories. In doing so, it can be easy to forget that we, too, need moments of reflection and connection. Fall is a natural time to slow down and look inward, and it also offers a reminder of the importance of community. Within the EMDR therapist community, turning inward and staying connected go hand in hand.
The Importance of Therapist Self-Reflection
Self-reflection is a cornerstone of effective EMDR therapy. The eight phases of EMDR rely on the therapist’s ability to remain grounded, attuned, and responsive to each client’s unique process. When we take time to reflect on our own emotional responses, triggers, and blind spots, we strengthen our capacity to stay present during sessions.
Therapist self-reflection can take many forms. Some clinicians journal after sessions, others seek feedback in consultation, and many use mindfulness or bilateral stimulation techniques to regulate their own nervous systems. These practices support the therapist’s well-being and enhance clinical effectiveness, helping us show up with clarity and compassion.
Why Community Matters in EMDR Practice
While EMDR invites deep individual work, it is also a therapy that thrives in community. Connection with peers provides the encouragement and shared wisdom that sustain us through the challenges of clinical work. Within an EMDR therapist community, we find a safe space to ask questions, process difficult cases, and celebrate professional growth.
Many therapists who attend CFET trainings describe the relationships formed there as lasting long after the training ends. The shared experience of learning, practicing, and witnessing EMDR in action creates authentic bonds. These connections become sources of support, collaboration, and sometimes even lifelong friendship.
How Connection Enhances Clinical Growth
Consultation groups and peer networks are essential extensions of EMDR training. They offer a place to deepen understanding, refine skills, and stay aligned with EMDRIA standards of practice. When therapists gather regularly, the learning continues far beyond the classroom.
Community also nurtures resilience. Sharing clinical experiences reminds us that we are not alone in navigating complex trauma or uncertainty. This sense of belonging fosters confidence and prevents burnout—two key factors in sustaining a long, fulfilling career in trauma therapy.
Integrating Reflection and Connection
Turning inward and reaching outward are not opposing forces but complementary practices. Reflection without connection can become isolating, while connection without reflection can lose depth. When we balance both, we cultivate an integrative approach that supports both personal and professional growth.
At CFET, we encourage therapists to make time for both. Attend a consultation group, reach out to a training colleague, or schedule quiet moments for personal reflection. Each small act strengthens the web of support that makes our work sustainable and meaningful.
Upcoming Opportunity for Connection and Growth
Join us on November 21 for Healing Inner Wounds through an Attachment Lens with EMDR Therapy, a live online webinar with Sandra. This training explores Phases 1 and 2 of EMDR through the lens of attachment, offering clinicians insight into preverbal experiences and the pain of aloneness that often lies beneath trauma. It is an opportunity to turn inward, expand your skills, and connect with a supportive community of EMDR professionals.