Feeder Memories, Age Estimates and the Somatic Bridge: Best Practices to Improve EMDR Therapy
Instructors: Michael Elder, LMFT, CTTS
Approved for 2.0 Hours of CE Credit
Fulfills License Requirements
Program Description:
Shapiro (2018) defined feeder memories as “untapped earlier memories that contribute to the current dysfunction and block processing of it.” She explained that processing these earlier memories reduces present-day distress and makes the current target more accessible to EMDR processing. While the Affect Bridge and Float Back techniques often identify the relevant feeder memory, there are times when clients struggle to recall the relevant early experience—even when their current distress appears irrational relative to the reported trauma memory.
In such cases, estimating the client’s likely age at the time of the feeder memory can be a valuable strategy. Age offers more than just a timeline—it provides insight into the client's developmental stage, and their experience of the world at that point in life. Bringing these elements into awareness increases the likelihood of accessing the trauma network that holds the feeder memory.
In this workshop, EMDR therapists will learn the Somatic Bridge technique, why it is considered best practice, and how to estimate the age of the feeder memory using multiple vectors. We will also explore both the practical and ethical applications of an estimated age, including the creation of fictitious narratives for preverbal or unremembered incidents that nonetheless support effective trauma processing.
Goals & Objectives:
At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:
- Identify the current best practice in evoking a feeder memory.
- Describe the value of knowing the client’s age at the time of the feeder memory.
- List at least four techniques for arriving at a client age estimate for the feeder memory.
- Explain at least four ways to use the age estimate to enhance the EMDR therapy for their client.
