What Can I Trust? How EMDR Can Support You in Times of Uncertainty
In times of uncertainty, when the world feels unpredictable and even overwhelming, many of us find ourselves questioning: What can I trust?
In a rapidly changing political climate, with economic shifts and global challenges, feelings of insecurity and instability can seep into our personal lives. For many, these moments trigger old wounds, fears, and anxieties. However, even in the midst of uncertainty, we have the ability to ground ourselves, access our inner strengths, and lean into supportive communities. One powerful therapeutic approach that can help build this resilience is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
EMDR is widely known for its effectiveness in treating trauma, but what many people may not realize is how valuable it can be in cultivating inner trust and resilience. At the heart of this approach is the Resource Development and Installation (RDI) phase—a process that helps individuals strengthen their capacity to manage stress, navigate uncertainty, and build trust in both themselves and the world around them. This blog explores how EMDR, particularly through resource development, can empower individuals to find stability in unstable times.
The Weight of Uncertainty: Why We Struggle to Trust
The current political and social landscape is a source of deep concern for many. Political polarization, social unrest, economic fluctuations, and environmental crises contribute to a collective sense of instability. On a personal level, these uncertainties can mirror past experiences of unpredictability, reinforcing feelings of helplessness and fear.
For those with a history of trauma, instability in the external world can awaken old fears that were established in moments when safety and trust were broken. This is why, in uncertain times, it is crucial to develop internal and external resources that serve as anchors, allowing us to respond to challenges with resilience rather than reactivity.
How EMDR Supports You in Times of Uncertainty
EMDR therapy is built on the premise that the brain has the capacity to heal from past distressing experiences. It follows an eight-phase process, guiding individuals in reprocessing painful memories so they no longer hold emotional weight. However, before diving into trauma processing, EMDR emphasizes the importance of resource development—a phase dedicated to strengthening the individual's ability to self-soothe, self-trust, and access resilience.
The Resource Development and Installation (RDI) Phase: Building Strength and Stability
The Resource Development and Installation (RDI) phase of EMDR is specifically designed to bolster a person’s ability to manage distress. Rather than focusing on trauma, this phase centers on installing positive, nurturing experiences, and internal resources that can be accessed in times of need. These resources may include:
Inner Resources: Memories of past resilience, feelings of strength, positive self-beliefs, or visualization of a protective figure.
External Resources: Supportive relationships, community connections, safe environments, and reliable sources of guidance.
Somatic Resources: Grounding techniques, breathwork, and mindfulness strategies that help regulate the nervous system.
The goal of this phase is to give clients tools to stabilize themselves so that when faced with uncertainty, they have a reservoir of strength to draw from. It’s about reinforcing the truth that even in difficult moments, one has access to internal wisdom and external support.
Strengthening Inner Trust: Accessing Your Own Resilience
In a world that can feel unreliable, it’s easy to forget that we hold wisdom and strength within us. The RDI phase of EMDR helps individuals tap into this inner trust by:
Identifying and Installing Positive Resources: Clients are guided to recall moments when they felt safe, capable, or supported. These memories are then reinforced using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones) to strengthen their accessibility.
Developing a Future Template: Through visualization and cognitive reinforcement, individuals create mental scripts of how they would like to respond to future stressors with confidence and trust.
Connecting with Inner Figures of Support: Whether it’s a mentor, a protective figure, or an imagined source of wisdom, developing an internalized sense of guidance fosters a deeper trust in one’s ability to navigate difficulties.
By consistently practicing these techniques, individuals can begin to shift from a place of fear to a stance of grounded resilience.
Leaning Into External Resources: The Power of Community
While inner resources are vital, external support systems also play a crucial role in fostering resilience. In today’s political and social climate, many people feel isolated, disconnected, or unsure of where to turn for support. The RDI phase of EMDR encourages individuals to recognize and actively engage with external sources of strength, including:
Community Connections: Seeking out groups, organizations, or local networks that align with personal values can provide a sense of belonging and support.
Trusted Relationships: Cultivating relationships with friends, family, mentors, and therapists creates a foundation of emotional security.
Activism and Collective Action: Engaging in meaningful action, whether through volunteering, advocacy, or community work, fosters a sense of agency and purpose.
In times of uncertainty, leaning into these external supports reminds us that we are not alone and that collective resilience can be a powerful antidote to fear.
Moving Forward with Confidence
The question of "What can I trust?" is deeply personal and often complex. In a shifting political climate, with rapid changes and unforeseen challenges, trust can feel elusive. However, through EMDR’s Resource Development and Installation phase, individuals can build a foundation of stability within themselves, enabling them to navigate external uncertainty with greater ease.
By strengthening inner resources, fostering external connections, and developing resilience-based strategies, individuals can cultivate a deep sense of trust—both in themselves and in the communities that surround them. While we may not always have control over external events, we do have the power to fortify our internal landscape, ensuring that no matter what arises, we can move forward with clarity, confidence, and strength.
Start Working With an EMDR Therapist in St. Paul, MN
If you are struggling with feelings of uncertainty, consider reaching out to an EMDR therapist who can support you in developing these essential resources. In doing so, you may find that even in turbulent times, trust, resilience, and hope remain within reach. You can start your therapy journey with Sage Leaf Wellness by following these simple steps:
Meet with a caring therapist
Start receiving support during times of uncertainty.
Other Healing Services at Sage Leaf Wellness
At Sage Leaf Wellness, we are committed to helping you heal. In addition to EMDR Therapy, we use many other theories and methods. The team at SLW is passionate about finding the right fit to gain the best outcome for your healing. Our services include Anxiety Therapy, Trauma Therapy, Marriage and Couples Counseling, and more. Hop over to our scheduling link to set up a free consultation or appointment today!