Rediscovering the transformational power of EMDR
In a world where more is never enough-where our cell phones have literally thousands of settings that few of us understand or need-Transformational EMDR: The Manual recommends subtracting rather than adding to the model that we know as EMDR therapy. Led by Dr. Andrew J. Dobo, trainer and owner of EMDR Educators, the authors take the reader back to the beginning to rediscover the power of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing at its most essential.
This book reiterates Francine Shapiro's own words to remind therapists and clients what EMDR was meant to be, before the endless additions to the model that sometimes make it unrecognizable as EMDR. Shapiro asks the clinician to stay out of the way, not to bring preconceived ideas into the session, and to follow the client. The message from Shapiro, and from the insightful Transformational EMDR therapists in this book, is simple to say but not always easy to do: Just stop thinking and wait, watch, and listen.
Transformational EMDR: The Manual offers an illuminating journey through the phases of EMDR treatment, revealing thoughtful, inspiring and practical ways to accomplish this in-depth work by doing less, not more.
About the Author :
Dr. Andrew J. Dobo was first trained in EMDR in 1998 while in graduate school. He has administered over 15,000 EMDR sessions in his career. Now his days are spent consulting, writing, and teaching other therapists about EMDR therapy. Dr. Dobo is highly credentialed in EMDR and has lived his life as a Jungian. He recorded his first dream in 1978 while studying music as a young man living in Chicago. He eventually noticed that as he was using the EMDR model, he was also integrating Jungian thought. This observation eventually gave rise to his first two books.His previous works led to the formalization of the Transformational EMDR approach, which this book is about. Transformational EMDR goes beyond the disease model of EMDR therapy, which was an aspiration of Francine Shapiro's. Shapiro never specifically explained how one might use EMDR in this manner, but this book explains precisely how to transform a client's life so that they change course and move toward their authentic life's purpose. This book is a manual and a map of sorts that teaches the EMDR therapist how to use Transformational EMDR as a tool for self-actualization and individuation, and satisfies Francine Shapiro's aspiration of EMDR when she said, "[Self]-actualization for everyone."
Review :
Dr. Andrew Dobo brings EMDR back to its roots as a transformational therapy, drawing from Francine Shapiro, Carl Jung, and the work of Sue Johnson to show that healing is far more than symptom reduction. In a field oversaturated with protocols and constant additions, Dobo makes a compelling case that subtracting, returning to the simplicity of the standard protocol, often strengthens the work. His Transformational EMDR model stands in contrast to the busy, overly verbal EMDR many therapists were taught, inviting us to trust the process, ask less, notice more, and let change arise through experience. This book is a clear call to remove what gets in the way so clients can access the profound healing EMDR was always meant to offer.
- Rotem Brayer, M.Ed., LPC, author of The Art and Science of EMDR and creator of the EMDR Learning Community
Dr. Dobo's new book Transformational EMDR is at its heart a reminder of the power of EMDR. Through Transformational EMDR, clinicians are given an opportunity to explore EMDR beyond the basics, exploring how to incorporate self-actualization and individuation rather than symptom resolution. The book provides a critique of additions to EMDR while offering a roadmap to use EMDR for transformation. Dr. Dobo's aim to help clinicians use EMDR for self-actualization aligns with Shapiro's original hopes for EDMR. This book is a must-read for those new, experienced, or needing a reminder of the power of EMDR.
- Dr. Julia Knach, PsyD, LCPC, LCADC, RPT-S, RST C/T, EMDR CIT and owner of My Crossing Paths Counseling Center
