What is Christian EMDR?

In recent years, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has become a widely accepted and effective therapeutic approach for treating trauma, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. Rooted in neuroscience, EMDR helps the brain process disturbing memories and reduce the emotional distress they cause. When combined with a Christian worldview, EMDR can become more than just a clinical intervention—it can be a Spirit-led journey toward deep healing, freedom, and transformation. As Christians seek holistic healing, many wonder how EMDR can be practiced in a way that honors and integrates their Christian faith. 

Christian EMDR can encompass a variety of practices and protocols. Every Christian EMDR therapist will add their unique touch to how the standard EMDR protocol is integrated with other EMDR protocols, trauma modalities, theoretical orientations, tools, and Christian practices. For the purpose of this article, Christian EMDR is elaborated on as it is currently practiced at Hearing Is Healing Christian Counseling (HIHCC). 

Christian EMDR and Attachment Theory

Attachment theory, pioneered by John Bowlby and later expanded by Mary Ainsworth, describes how early relational experiences shape patterns of emotional regulation, trust, and intimacy throughout life. While rooted in developmental psychology, its insights speak directly to questions of human longing, relational brokenness, and healing—areas in which the Christian worldview has long provided profound theological frameworks.

Attachment theory asserts that humans are biologically predisposed to seek closeness with caregivers for safety and emotional regulation. The theory identifies four primary attachment styles: Secure Attachment (characterized by comfort with intimacy and autonomy; develops when caregivers are consistently responsive), Anxious/Preoccupied Attachment (marked by a heightened need for reassurance; develops when care is inconsistent), Avoidant Attachment (marked by emotional distance; develops when care is unavailable or rejecting), and Disorganized Attachment (characterized by conflicting behaviors; often linked to trauma or abuse). Attachment patterns, though formed early, are not fixed. With corrective relational experiences—whether in therapy, community, or faith—individuals can move toward greater security.

Attachment theory underscores a universal truth: we are relational beings, shaped profoundly by the presence or absence of faithful love. The Bible reveals God as the Ultimate Secure Base. Bowlby’s concept of a “secure base” parallels the biblical image of God as refuge (Psalm 46:1). Believers can approach Him with confidence, knowing His care is steadfast (1 Peter 5:7). The Christian worldview proclaims that ultimate security is found not in human perfection but in the unwavering love of God. When aspects of attachment theory are brought together with a biblical world view, they offer a rich, redemptive approach to understanding and healing human relationships—one that honors both the complexity of the human heart and the sufficiency of divine grace.

Attachment-Based EMDR combines the standard EMDR protocol with principles from attachment theory—which emphasizes that early relationships with caregivers shape how we relate to others and regulate our emotions. Laura Parnell, PhD, a leading clinician, educator, and EMDRIA-approved trainer, is widely known for developing Attachment-Focused EMDR (AF-EMDR)—a relational, trauma-informed enhancement of the standard EMDR protocol. While traditional EMDR is highly effective for treating trauma, Parnell’s model specifically addresses the developmental and attachment wounds that often underlie complex PTSD, emotional dysregulation, and persistent negative self-concepts.

Parnell’s approach is grounded in attachment theory, neuroscience, and the healing power of secure relational connection. It is especially suited for clients with early relational trauma—such as neglect, abandonment, emotional abuse, or inconsistent caregiving—who often struggle with identity, trust, and regulation.

Parnell’s model is not inherently religious; however, its relational and compassionate nature aligns seamlessly with a Christian worldview. This compatibility opens up numerous avenues for meaningful application of Christian principles within the framework of attachment-focused EMDR. Below are several ways in which Christian integration can be thoughtfully and effectively applied to enhance the outcomes of attachment-focused EMDR:

1. God as the Ultimate Secure Base

One of the foundational aspects of attachment theory is the concept of a secure base, which is crucial for healthy emotional development. In the context of Christian integration, helping clients develop a secure attachment to God is paramount. God is often viewed as a Father, Shepherd, and Protector, embodying the ultimate secure base that individuals can rely on throughout their lives.

Utilizing Scripture and prayer serves as a powerful tool to affirm God's unconditional presence and love in the lives of clients. By encouraging clients to reflect on biblical promises, they can find solace and reassurance in God's unwavering commitment to them. For instance, the verse “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18) can be a profound reminder of God's constant presence, helping to alleviate feelings of abandonment and loneliness.

2. Jesus as a Nurturing and Protective Figure

For clients who are open to incorporating Christian imagery into their healing journey, inviting Jesus into the resourcing and memory work can be particularly transformative. Jesus can be envisioned as a nurturing and protective figure, providing comfort and support during the therapeutic process.

This approach allows clients to connect with a child ego-state, facilitating a healing dialogue where Jesus comforts them in their pain. He can be envisioned speaking truth into painful memories, reshaping their narratives with messages of love, acceptance, and healing. Additionally, clients can experience Jesus offering protection, forgiveness, or emotional healing, reinforcing the idea that Jesus not only saves the soul but also actively heals the heart and mind.

3. Scripture-Based Resource Installation

During the resourcing phase of attachment-focused EMDR, it is beneficial to install positive beliefs that are anchored in the identity found in Christ. This involves replacing negative beliefs that clients may hold about themselves with affirmations derived from Scripture.

For example, a client who struggles with feelings of unworthiness can be encouraged to internalize the truth of Isaiah 43:4, which states, “You are precious in my eyes.” Similarly, those who feel isolated may find comfort in the promise of Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you.” By systematically addressing negative beliefs such as “I can’t trust anyone” with the reassuring truth “The Lord is my refuge” (Psalm 18:2), clients can begin to reshape their self-perception and build a more robust, faith-based identity.

4. Healing from Religious Trauma

It is essential to acknowledge that some clients may have experienced spiritual abuse or found themselves in unhealthy religious environments, which can significantly impact their emotional and psychological well-being. The integration of attachment-focused EMDR provides a safe and supportive space for clients to differentiate between God's true character and the distorted images of God that may have been projected onto them by broken individuals or communities.

Through the processing and resourcing phases of EMDR, clients can engage with the God of grace, who offers love and acceptance rather than shame and condemnation. This journey of healing allows individuals to reconstruct their understanding of God, moving away from the pain of past experiences and towards a more accurate and nurturing relationship with the divine. Such healing can be transformative, enabling clients to reclaim their faith and find peace in their spiritual journey.

Christian EMDR Uses Ego State Work

Is there a part of you that loves Jesus more than anything else in the world? Is there a part of you that understands you are loved by God? Is there a part of you that has understood what God was communicating to you in the past? Can you observe how this part of yourself feels different from the part that excels at your job? Notice how it differs from the part of you capable of handling really challenging tasks. Is there a part of you that sometimes feels triggered, reminding you of your childhood experiences? Ego-state work identifies different parts of the self and uses this understanding in trauma work to promote healing.

Ego-state work, often referred to as parts work, is a therapeutic approach that involves identifying and differentiating various aspects or "parts" of the self. This technique is based on the understanding that individuals are not a single, unified entity but rather a complex system composed of multiple sub-personalities, each with its own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By recognizing and engaging with these distinct parts, individuals can gain deeper insights into their internal experiences and how these parts influence their overall functioning.

The concept of ego states proposes that each part of the self can encompass various emotions, memories, and coping mechanisms developed over time, usually in response to life experiences. These parts can be classified into different roles, such as the Inner Child, the Protector, the Critic, and the Wise Self, among others. Each role serves a distinct purpose and may surface in various contexts, affecting how a person responds to situations or engages with others. In working with Christian clients, it has been noted that many have a part of themselves that recognizes they are loved by God. This part often understands what God would want the individual to know. Christian EMDR incorporates ego-state work by allowing the part of the self that feels God's love to aid in trauma healing.

Christian Utilizes the Love of God as a Resource

For EMDR processing to move forward effectively, it is crucial that the individual is capable of maintaining dual attention in a resourced manner. This means that the person must be able to engage with both their current therapeutic environment and the traumatic memory that is being addressed simultaneously. This dual focus allows for a balanced processing of the trauma, where the individual can draw upon their present-day resources and coping skills while also confronting the emotional and psychological aspects of the past experience.

In the context of Christian EMDR, this process is enhanced by integrating a biblical perspective on God's love and support. During the actual trauma processing, clients are encouraged to maintain this dual awareness—holding the traumatic memory in one part of their consciousness while simultaneously connecting with their adult self and the divine presence they perceive. This dynamic interplay not only aids in the processing of the trauma but also fosters a deeper understanding of how the traumatic experience has impacted their sense of self and their relationship with God.

Since the bible reveals God as having compassion on his his children, Christian clients are able to use this understanding of God's love to deepen self compassion. This is used both during resourcing parts of EMDR as well as during trauma processing. The integration of resourcing strategies within Christian EMDR not only facilitates the necessary dual attention for effective trauma processing but also enriches the therapeutic experience by embedding it within a framework of spiritual support and love. This faith-based method empowers individuals to foster their present, aiding in the healing of past wounds.

Christian EMDR Incorporates Other Listening Based Christian Healing Modalities

Christian EMDR combines a person's spiritual practices, such as prayer, their biblical beliefs, and the ability to recognize divine guidance in the present. Therefore, it is fitting that Christian EMDR also includes other Christian inner healing methods, like the Immanuel Approach.

The Immanuel Approach, developed by Christian psychiatrist Dr. Karl Lehman with input from Dr. Jim Wilder, is a faith-based inner healing method that blends biblical principles, attachment theory, and neuroscience. The term “Immanuel” means “God with us,” and the approach centers on cultivating an interactive, two-way relationship with Jesus as an active participant in the healing process. Sessions typically begin by recalling a positive memory of joy or peace to activate the brain’s relational circuits and establish emotional safety. From this anchored state, the individual is gently guided to sense Jesus’ presence, interact with Him, and invite Him into both present concerns and past painful memories. This relational grounding allows difficult experiences to be revisited in a non-traumatizing way, leading to greater emotional integration and spiritual connection.

Elements of the Immanuel Approach can be integrated into Christian EMDR when establishing a calm place or other resources or as an extra intervention in the midst of processing trauma. One method is to employ the Immanuel Approach in its original form, as taught by Karl Lehman, as a resource before initiating bilateral stimulation or engaging in trauma processing. Building safety nets of positive memories where an individual is actively able to perceive Gods' presence compliments other EMDR resource strategies. Alternatively, the Immanuel Approach can be used as an adjunct when trauma processing is stalled or progressing slowly within other EMDR protocols. In either scenario, combining the Immanuel Approach with EMDR provides an additional means of fostering emotional safety and therapeutic insight during trauma processing.

Christian EMDR will be practiced differently by various practitioners. The current method of Christian EMDR used at HIHCC incorporates attachment focused EMDR, Ego State therapy, a client's understanding of God's love, and other inner healing modalities. By blending these various methods, the practitioner's aim is to create a holistic therapeutic experience that addresses not only the psychological aspects of trauma but also the spiritual dimensions of healing. This comprehensive approach recognizes that true healing often involves both the mind and the spirit, allowing clients to pursue a path toward wholeness and restoration.