The Importance of Authenticity in Trauma Work

When one of the main goals in EMDR is to help clients connect to their authentic selves, it can be important for us as therapists to model this behavior. Whether that is the way that we show up externally, our style in therapy, the language that we use, or even our own body language. While we are taught to be mindful of our reactions to clients and what they share with us, it can sometimes be the most validating for us to respond like true human beings, especially when they have never had someone react in a more positive/adaptive way to what they are sharing.

Just like we are expected to model appropriate boundaries with our clients, how we show up in our own authenticity has the ability to positively impact the therapeutic relationship when we can show our clients what it means to be human, and that be okay.

So how do we do this? Start by knowing your limits and be able to pay attention to what is surfacing within you, it may not necessarily be transference or countertransference but can you tell when your own things may be blocking your ability to show up in your work. Can you move through it or share that with a team member or even your client?

How are you modeling a sense of authenticity around your clients? Coworkers? Family? Can you tell when you are no longer operating from such a place?

Let's break down some tips and tricks to check in on your own authenticity and how you’re showing up:

Check in with your body- what's it communicating to you throughout the day
Be able to identify cues of safety, internally and externally
Clients can sense BS and they pick up on it via mirror neurons, it may be worth addressing some things vs phoning it in
Be true to yourself
Know your worldview and how that applies to your clinical practice
Determine what balance looks like for you
Do your own work/therapy- if your stuff is coming up and getting in the way, acknowledge it
Acknowledge what parts of you are welcome in your trauma work