EMDR Art Therapy

A protocol of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) inspired art

therapy, to be used by patients undergoing EMDR therapy; shared via social media
and online support groups; and as a stand-alone art therapy.

Participants will paint words that represent basic human needs they are feeling a
desire to meet; to be spread by a trowel in diagonal and horizontal movements similar
to those utilized in EMDR and the Rapid Eye Movement phase of sleep.

This protocol was inspired by conversations between filmmaker Melissa Balin and
Francine Shapiro, PhD, regarding how to process the moments in between processing
particularly rigorous processing sessions.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

On Intention:
#ROYGBIV is an installation that explores the concept, A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words.
As the painted words and symbols become textured layers akin to our unprocessed memories,
these pictures hold the intention and desire behind basic human needs and wants. Through eye
movements and reflection, the painter and the viewer are able to find fulfillment.
The main concepts embedded into the individual pieces that collectively comprise the #ROYGBIV
installation focus on #SharingISCaring, whether it be through social media or in real life:
Love - Safety Protection Peace Wisdom -- Joy Creativity -- YOU -- Inspire
On Silver Linings:
As a Silver Lining is a metaphor for optimism, so must we search for the moments of Joy
throughout each and every day. Joy is both literally and figuratively sprinkled in silver across every
piece. The silver streaks throughout each piece serve as a continuing reminder that we can find
new joy in rediscovering the fruits of the seeds we have planted.
On Textures:
The horizontal and diagonal direction of the texture is inspired by and designed to encourage
EMDR, also known as Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing. The use of trowels to
smear words depicting basic human desires was inspired by the more abstract works of iconic
artist Paul Maxwell. The trowels create more texture and provide opportunities for therapeutic
EMDR horizontal and diagonal eye movements both in the painting and in the viewing.
On Colors:
The theme of the color selection for this installation is Back To Basics: #ROYGBIV, and holds
multiple layers of meaning. #ROYGBIV is in solidarity with the LGBT community during this
challenging time of selective equalities on an international scope. #ROYGBIV is in solidarity with
every Inner Child that has a memory in need of processing in a safe non-judging place.
#ROYGBIV is in solidarity with all the hope and belief that is invoked by seeing a rainbow, even if it
is just technically a prism of light.
On Perspective & Scale:
The differences between In the Box or Outside of the Box, are often determined by perspective
and scale. How big is the box and ones spatial relationship to the proverbial box will often
determine ones attitude and outlook. The Paul Maxwell documentary, Through a Veil of
Knowledge, shows us to turn even the most figurative art on its side, in order to get a greater
understanding of its inherent form. The interlocking #ROYGBIV pieces are abstract enough to not
necessarily notice which end is hung as the top. While still pleasing to the eye regardless of the
rotation, each rotation will evoke slightly different meditative states. The box-like shape is a
reminder that we must make ourselves bigger than our problems in order to solve them, and that
perspective is incredibly relevant in an ever-changing world where the only constant IS change.

#ROYGBIV SERIES:

Red No. 1:
Love

Orange No. 1:
Creativity

Yellow No. 1:
Safety

Green No. 1:
Protection

Why So Blue No. 1:

Peace, Love & Wisdom

Blue No. 1:
Safety Meeting

Why So Blue No. 2:

Joyride

Indigo No. 1 aka UpCycled:

YOU

Violet No. 1:
Inspire

#EMDR inspired: collectible, shareable & wearable art

The intention is for participants to have a non-violent creative outlet to release some of
the intense emotions processed through EMDR that is quantified by a lasting piece of
art. The participant may donate their original works of art to the EMDR Institute for
fundraising purposes or buy the piece with a donation to the EMDR Institute, for their
own personal enjoyment and as a constant reminder to honor their selves by fulfilling
their own needs. The canvas pieces may also be purposed into wearable fashions,
such as one-of-a-kind wrist cuffs and fashionable arm bands as a reminder that we
are each more unique than a snowflake.
EMDR is a rigorous therapy that incurs radical changes outside of the therapists office
and art therapy is a positive way to continue the important processing in a private and
safe creative environment.
The functional art made during the art therapy sessions, will provide continuing
opportunity for EMDR eye movements in a pleasing manner. Using the art with or
without the guidance of a licensed EMDR therapist, will create interesting
conversation-starting outreach to introduce the concepts of EMDR to a broader
audience.
The #ROYGBIV series will be printed as a limited edition collection of ten blank
notecards to be used as a visually appealing and simple introduction to the concepts
behind Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, with proceeds going to
support a continued curriculum of EMDR inspired art therapy worldwide.