Safety in therapy is a complex and evolving concept. As therapists and clients, we're constantly learning and adapting our understanding of what creates true safety in the therapeutic process.

This week on the podcast, we explore the nuances of safety in EMDR, Brainspotting and beyond, challenging some common assumptions and opening up new possibilities for healing.

Our perceptions of safety can shift over time, both in immediate situations and in retrospect. My own certainly have. From first hearing about EMDR and Brainspotting (and discounting them), to now specializing in EMDR and training other therapists in the practice.

For therapists, this means constantly reevaluating our approaches and being open to new modalities that may offer deeper healing for our clients like I did. For clients, it involves recognizing and honoring your own experiences of safety and empowerment in the therapeutic journey.

The conversation has recently expanded to include emerging therapies like psychedelic-assisted treatments, despite no mention of so-called “alternative” therapies during therapy training. I invite you to approach these topics with curiosity and critical thinking rather than immediate judgment. We need to discuss the importance of ongoing education and personal experience in forming well-informed opinions about therapeutic approaches.

In fact, I’m so committed to growth as a clinician and as a therapy client that I’ve started a year-long training in psychedelic-assisted treatments so I can speak more on the topic. Something I never would have imagined even just a few years ago.

This episode challenges both therapists and clients to examine their preconceptions about safety in therapy and to remain open to new possibilities for healing. By leaning into a spirit of continuous learning and exploration, we can create more empowering and effective therapeutic experiences.

Whether you're a seasoned EMDR practitioner, a therapy client, or simply interested in the future of mental health treatment, this episode offers valuable insights into creating true safety and facilitating deeper healing in therapy.

The Zero Disturbance podcast is for educational purposes and is not a replacement for a therapeutic relationship or individualized mental health or medical care.

Want to learn more about empowering yourself to experience therapy or coaching on your terms? If you appreciated this episode, you won't want to miss out on The Client Workbook + supporting videos!

We also offer free resources for clients and therapists! Get access to our free client resource library for the most up-to-date tools and resources for your own journey. Therapists, access our favorite free resources for designing high-value offers in The Zero Disturbance Welcome Bundle.

With a Masters in Education from Vanderbilt, Kambria has been creating trainings and teaching adult learners for over 20 years. As the Director of Education and Quality Improvement at Stanford Medical School, she created ease in complex systems, thereby giving medical trainees successful learning experiences. Now, as a dedicated mom, therapist, and EMDR Consultant, Kambria knows what it means to do things efficiently, effectively, and in a learner-centered way. When she isn't podcasting or creating online courses, you can find Kambria playing with her twins on a beach in California.

EMDR therapy is a powerful path to healing, but many misconceptions persist about it—from medical professionals, therapists, and others. As an EMDR consultant with over ten thousand hours of sessions under my belt, I've witnessed firsthand how this brain-based therapy can transform lives when applied thoughtfully.

Traditional talk therapy absolutely has its place, providing a safe space for clients to explore their narratives and build coping skills. However, EMDR takes healing to the next level by directly rewiring neural pathways associated with distressing memories and beliefs. This accelerated approach can lead to faster, more profound changes than talk therapy alone.

One common myth that we need to bust is that EMDR is only suitable for severe trauma or that clients need extensive preparation before beginning. But the reality is that EMDR can be tailored to address a wide range of issues, from minor anxieties to complex PTSD. And by starting with less distressing memories and gradually building up, therapists can help clients experience the benefits of EMDR without overwhelm.

This week on the podcast, I'll break down the various approaches within EMDR therapy, including standard protocol, addiction-focused techniques, and newer innovations. I'll explain how these different methods can be customized to meet each client's unique needs and comfort level.

Whether you're a therapist looking to expand your toolkit or a client seeking more empowering treatment options, this discussion will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about incorporating EMDR into your healing journey. This versatile, brain-based approach truly can accelerate progress and help to create lasting positive change.

The Zero Disturbance podcast is for educational purposes and is not a replacement for a therapeutic relationship or individualized mental health or medical care.

Want to learn more about empowering yourself to experience therapy or coaching on your terms? If you appreciated this episode, you wont want to miss out on The Client Workbook (+ supporting videos)!

We also offer free resources for clients and therapists! Get access to our free client resource library for the most up-to-date tools and resources for your own journey. Therapists, access our favorite free resources for designing high-value offers in The Zero Disturbance Welcome Bundle.

With a Masters in Education from Vanderbilt, Kambria has been creating trainings and teaching adult learners for over 20 years. As the Director of Education and Quality Improvement at Stanford Medical School, she created ease in complex systems, thereby giving medical trainees successful learning experiences. Now, as a dedicated mom, therapist, and EMDR Consultant, Kambria knows what it means to do things efficiently, effectively, and in a learner-centered way. When she isn't podcasting or creating online courses, you can find Kambria playing with her twins on a beach in California.

Changing behavior, especially when it comes to addictive or compulsive patterns, is often misunderstood and oversimplified. Many therapists and rehab programs focus solely on modifying beliefs and behaviors, overlooking vital elements in our neurological programming. This approach can lead to frustration, repeated relapses, and unnecessary shame for those struggling to make lasting changes.

This week on the podcast, we’re taking a look at a more comprehensive, brain-based perspective on behavior change. We'll discuss why traditional methods fall short and how modalities like EMDR can address the root causes of compulsive behaviors by working with our body's programming at a deeper level.

Whether you're someone seeking more effective ways to create positive change in your life or a therapist looking to enhance your practice or, this conversation offers valuable insights into the complexities of human behavior and the potential for true transformation.

Discover how understanding the full "code" behind our actions—including images, emotions, body sensations, urges, positive feeling states, and early life experiences—can lead to more successful and sustainable change. We'll challenge common misconceptions about willpower and addiction, and offer a compassionate, science-based approach to reprogramming unwanted patterns.

This episode provides eye-opening information for both mental health professionals and individuals on their personal growth journey.

Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on behavior change that goes beyond simplistic advice and taps into the power of our neurological wiring.

The Zero Disturbance podcast is for educational purposes and is not a replacement for a therapeutic relationship or individualized mental health or medical care.

Want to learn more about empowering yourself to experience therapy or coaching on your terms? If you appreciated this episode, you won't want to miss out on The Client Workbook (+ supporting videos)!

We also offer free resources for clients and therapists! Get access to our free client resource library for the most up-to-date tools and resources for your own journey.

Therapists, access our favorite free resources for designing high-value offers in The Zero Disturbance Welcome Bundle.

With a Masters in Education from Vanderbilt, Kambria has been creating trainings and teaching adult learners for over 20 years. As the Director of Education and Quality Improvement at Stanford Medical School, she created ease in complex systems, thereby giving medical trainees successful learning experiences. Now, as a dedicated mom, therapist, and EMDR Consultant, Kambria knows what it means to do things efficiently, effectively, and in a learner-centered way. When she isn't podcasting or creating online courses, you can find Kambria playing with her twins on a beach in California.