Chris Lee shares his journey from Perth to Amsterdam and explores the integration of schema therapy with EMDR. He discusses memory mapping as a technique to help clients distance themselves from experiences and compares assessment phases in both therapies. Lee highlights the IRM study's findings on treating PTSD, showing significant improvements. He emphasizes the benefits of combining these therapies for better clinical outcomes.

The discussion highlights the journey of self-discovery and emotional healing. It covers the impact of a difficult childhood marked by abuse and emotional constriction. Alice & Chris Lee reflect on her struggles with expressing emotions and the lack of support from family. Therapeutic goals focus on emotional expression, with techniques like EMDR and schema therapy introduced to address these issues. Establishing positive beliefs and assessing progress in therapy are also emphasized.

In this session, Alice and therapist Chris Lee explore key memories that shape Alice’s current emotional experiences. Using EMDR, Chris helps her refocus and process these memories in a safe and supportive way. Comfort is prioritized throughout, with eye movements gently guiding the emotional exploration. Alice is invited to visualize supportive figures who help validate her feelings and encourage emotional expression. The session also touches on how she communicates, especially around sensitive topics like bullying. Emphasis is placed on respectful interaction and the importance of emotional support. The techniques used aim to promote healing, rebuild self-trust, and strengthen Alice’s communication skills—both with herself and with others.

In this session, Chris Lee and Jonathan explore the emotional triggers behind Jonathan’s distress—such as perceived injustices, perfectionism, and how critical feedback often overshadows his accomplishments. Together, they reflect on formative childhood experiences, including the loss of a parent and navigating mental health challenges like ADHD. They also delve into emotional deprivation within the family context, discussing moments of loneliness during family gatherings and long-standing unmet emotional needs. Underlying psychological schemas—particularly emotional deprivation and unrelenting standards—are identified as shaping Jonathan’s current emotional experiences and his sensitivity to perceived injustice.

In this session, Jonathan and therapist Chris Lee explore sleep disturbances and the role of REM sleep, as well as the introduction of EMDR therapy to support emotional healing. The conversation emphasizes the importance of love, affection, and learning to recognize and respond to one’s own needs. Jonathan reflects on his childhood experiences and the early assumption of parental responsibilities. The session also introduces relaxation techniques as a way to regulate the nervous system and support therapeutic progress. Together, they explore how memory processing through EMDR and other therapeutic methods can help address emotional challenges and foster personal growth and healing.

In this interview, appreciation is expressed for completing the series on EMDR and schema therapy. Chris Lee shares insights into his professional background, highlighting his early training and influences, particularly in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). A powerful encounter with a client struggling with PTSD illustrates the transformative impact of EMDR in clinical practice. The discussion also touches on the generosity of a benefactor who helped make EMDR training more accessible for psychologists in Australia. Chris offers advice to early-career therapists, encouraging them to engage in ongoing self-reflection and to seek out supervision that not only guides but also inspires their therapeutic development.