Definition
EMDR pays explicit attention to bodily sensations associated with memories and beliefs. This is not decoration; body-based information is part of the standard protocol.
Why it matters
Memories often live as much in the body as in the mind. Ignoring bodily information can produce incomplete processing.
The Science
Trauma memories frequently include somatic components — tension, breathlessness, temperature change, gut activation. Addressing these directly appears to support integration.
The NSI Perspective
NSI treats the body as a legitimate participant in memory work, not a delivery system for cognition.
Clinical Implications
EMDR clinicians routinely ask about physical sensation. This is protocol, not improvisation.
Practical Application
During memory work, notice bodily changes without steering them. The body is often the last part of an experience to release.
References
- 1.Van der Kolk B. The Body Keeps the Score. Viking; 2014.