IEMT

IEMT – Integrated Eye Movement Technique.

Last weekend I attended a London workshop in the change work method called IEMT, led by its ‘maverick!’ developer Andrew Austin. I came away both excited, and with my head full of questions which I knew could only really be answered through further experience of using the technique.

Throughout the week, I began using some of the many aspects of what I learnt with clients (and consistently with good effect!).

Today, I’ve spent time further refining my thinking about how to apply the technique and integrate it in my work – especially with children and young people, or in shorter session work. (Andrew works with people in 2-3 hour sessions, something I’m usually not able to do in my school based work).

Integral Eye Movement Technique is a process of brief change work that applies finely calibrated eye movements based on Andrews’ observation of neurological principles to generate rapid change in the area of undesired neurological imprints. The I.E.M. therapy model answers the question, “How did the client learn to feel this way, about thatthing?” and applies specific change at the right neuro-logical level. (Click on logo for more information).

Its all fascinating stuff, and goes much much further than both nlp eye-accessing cues, and it seems, EMDR. Of particular interest to me is Andrews’ emphasis on what IEMT is not! Being change work, IEMT is not care & support, not counselling, and not a ‘universal healing aid’ – mm ..refreshing!

Some of what we covered on the course revisited and/or complemented my studies to date – especially in linguistics, the different use and effects of referential indices, systemic thinking, clean language, Lee Jampolskys’ Addiction cycle, and Lucas Derks’ Social Panorama work. There was plenty of fresh learning for me too, and whilst there was too much on the course to cover right here, I’m confident that over time, it will creep into the different aspects of my work. I already for example have ideas to build in to my compassion course work.

For now, I’ll leave you with something Andrew said, during his explanation of his patterns of chronicity ..

“Anxiety is a way of planning / organising the future.”

Thank you Andrew for developing IEMT, which I’m certain gives us another choice.

The Rainbow Machine

I’m always excited about learning new approaches .. and that is what I’m doing this weekend – attending a training in Integrated Eye Movement Techniques with Andrew Austin.

Andrew Austin is refreshing and certainly not afraid to speak his mind, especially with regards to psychiatric treatment. This will be the first time I’ve met him, having read many of his articles – and his really excellent book.

My review of the book is here, at www.goodreads.com – along with many other books from my bookshelf. Click on the image for amazon reviews.

I’ll post more about my experience of IEMT in due course.