Integral Eye Movement Therapy or Techniques (IEMT)
Many coaches, counsellors, psychotherapists, NLP practitioners, physiotherapists and yoga
teachers are now trained in IEMT internationally. IEMT can be used to process difficult
memories and change the way clients experience them. After a client is screened for contra-
indications, IEMT can be used in the first session – unlike some other eye movement
techniques.
IEMT is an unobtrusive skill set, as the client is not required to talk about what
happened and it can be used completely ‘content-free’, without disclosing any distressing
details. In my book The Trauma-Informed Coach there are five detailed case studies. Each
client has a complex case history and issues that are not immediately apparent or disclosed.
Their stories demonstrate the long-term legacy of unresolved, unprocessed adverse childhood
experiences (ACEs) and illustrate a trauma-informed, trauma-skilled, integrative coaching
approach, including IEMT. Non-disclosure was helpful to two of these case study clients,
Jason and Marcus both preferred not to disclose specific details or events.
Importantly, in addition to processing adverse memories, IEMT can be used to update
the client’s sense of their identity and the identity of other people in their life and past. This is
significant for many clients who wish that events, outcomes and relationships in their life had
been different. For example, Marcus wished that his childhood, parents and significant events
in his life had been different. No therapy can change facts, but identity updating can help
clients accept and make peace with what is, be more present in their current life and hopeful
of a future that they can influence.
IEMT techniques can also increase a client’s mind-body awareness by exploring and
adjusting their physiological state accessing cues (PSACs) through an exploration of how
their emotional states are influenced by their body and posture. Coaches with developed,
attuned sensory acuity skills notice non-verbal communication from clients’ gestures, eye
movements, posture, body positioning, tension, voice quality and breathing patterns. Sensory
acuity skills are taught on our NLP Diploma course, starting with our popular Discovery Day.
With increased awareness, clients can learn to make PSACs adjustments to change their state
effectively. Jason was able to become more consciously aware of his jaw and fist-clenching
habits; he was then able to make small changes to his posture in the moment of awareness.
Guilt, shame, regret, remorse and anxiety are negative emotions and states
experienced by the case study clients. IEMT has specific models for working with these
powerful, often overwhelming and restrictive feelings and for highlighting and changing five
patterns of limiting, automatic responses and behaviours known as the patterns of chronicity.
These models were helpful and relevant to most of the book case study clients. Additionally,
Marcus benefited from learning an IEMT self-application technique to alleviate the impact of
his night terrors and reliving his past in his dreams. IEMT can’t change what happened
but can modify the lasting imprint and associated feelings.
Curious about IEMT? On Discovery Day, you will experience a taster of an IEMT technique.
If you are inspired to train as an IEMT Practitioner – here is how you can.
Three important steps to becoming a certified IEMT Practitioner:
- Attend the approved training course
- Submit three case studies for review and feedback
- Three volunteer clients, two sessions each
- Join the Association for IEMT Practitioners
Why does IEMT Trainer Joanna Harper require three case studies with follow-up sessions?
Attending the training is the first stage of becoming an IEMT Practitioner. There will be plenty of opportunities to use and apply the IEMT skills, techniques and strategies during the course. Joanna recommends you start to use these skills soon after the training. Three clients will give you a broad range of presenting issues to work through. By following up with your clients, you will know how effective your first session has been. Most IEMT Practitioners in training gain confidence and competence when working with their case study volunteers.
IEMT techniques and methodology were developed by Andrew T. Austin, who trained, approved and certified Joanna Harper as an IEMT trainer. Since 2015 Joanna has trained and certified many IEMT Practitioners and Advanced IEMT Practitioners. IEMT training with
Joanna’s training courses, including IEMT, are available live online. Check our events page for the next course dates.
IEMT Practitioner training with an approved IEMT Trained is CPD certified.
