Sepideh Garmroudi

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that has been successful in helping people who suffer from trauma, anxiety, panic, disturbing memories, nightmares, etc. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) while the client attends to memories and triggers to decrease or eliminate emotional distress connected to the memory.

Brainspotting is a somatic therapy that helps clients access the subcortical (non-verbal) part of the brain, where trauma is typically stored. According to the creator of Brainspotting, David Grand, “Where you look affects how you feel.” Since our eyes give us access to the subcortical brain, Brainspotting uses the visual field as a way to help release stored memories.

The T.R.I.P approach involves working with trauma and its impact on the person as a whole. This approach recognizes that frequently memories are implicit and stored at a body level. The assumption of T.R.I.P is that the body, brain, emotions, beliefs, sensations, and relationships need both regulation and integration for the person to feel alive, and live in the present.

The T.R.I.P model has been influenced by the ideas, theories, concepts, and practices of the following therapies and seeks to integrate key aspects of each of these therapies:

1. OEI – One Eye Integration/Observed & Experiential Integration
2. IFS – Internal Family Systems
3. SP/SE – Sensorimotor Psychotherapy/Somatic Experiencing
4. EFT – Emotionally Focused Therapy
5. Developmental Attachment theory – Dr, G. Neufeld (Neufeld institute)

IFS is a therapeutic model that views the mind as composed of different “parts,” each with its own roles, emotions, and perspectives, and a core “Self” that is calm, compassionate, and capable of healing. IFS helps individuals understand and harmonize their internal system by addressing protective parts (managers and firefighters) and wounded parts (exiles), fostering greater self-awareness and emotional healing.