The "Blind to Therapist" Protocol

When what you've witnessed leaves no words, or you wish to shield others from its burden. There's a "blind to therapist" option for your privacy. Your experiences are yours. We're here to help you process them, on your terms.

You've seen things - things that are deeply personal, profoundly disturbing, or carry a weight you might not want to transfer to anyone else. It's a common, valid concern for first responders approaching therapy: "Do I have to re-live and describe every detail of the worst calls?" Or perhaps, "I don't want to put what I've seen into someone else's head."

First off, I must mention that as trauma-informed clinicians, we are extensively trained to be present with whatever you bring to session. We understand the unique challenges of your work and are capable of holding space for the most difficult experiences without judgment or personal distress. Our role is to be a steady, grounded presence for your healing. 

However, we also deeply respect your privacy and the very real burden of recounting certain events. This is exactly why the EMDR "Blind to Therapist" protocol exists. This method allows you to process highly disturbing, distressing, or morally injurious experiences without verbally sharing the specific details with your therapist. Your brain can process experiences, even those you choose not to share aloud. You hold the memory internally, and we guide your brain through its natural healing process using bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping).


Why is this protocol used? There are several reasons:

• Ultimate Privacy & Control: It empowers you to maintain complete control over your narrative. The healing happens internally, without external disclosure of sensitive content.
• Reducing Re-traumatization: For some, repeatedly describing graphic events can be re-traumatizing. The "blind" method avoids this, allowing your brain to process without the added verbal burden.
• Honouring Moral Injury: When experiences challenge your core values and the impact is deeply internal, this protocol provides a respectful path for private processing. It acknowledges that some burdens are meant to be handled with internal dignity.

This protocol is a testament to the adaptability and client-centered nature of EMDR. Our goal is always to meet you where you are and provide the safest, most effective path to healing, respecting your boundaries every step of the way.

Want to learn more about EMDR and how it can help you? Visit the Okanagan First Responder Clinician Network at https://www.livehappycounselling.com/clinician-network.html. We offer timely, accessible mental health support with EMDR-trained, occupationally aware clinicians.

**No therapeutic modality is one-size-fits-all. If you’re curious about whether EMDR might be a good fit for you, it can be helpful to learn more and have a conversation with an EMDR-trained, occupationally aware clinician.


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