80: EMDR and Safety with Psychedelics [Dumb Things Therapists Say Series]

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.

Come learn with us at Zero Disturbance:

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.