Ep. 90 From EFT to EMDR: Healing Trauma, Relationships, and Ourselves with Dr. Jason N. Linder

Can eye movements really help heal trauma? Is joy actually one of our most vulnerable—and least expressed—emotions? And how do trauma therapists spend their days swimming through other people’s pain without needing EMDR themselves after every session? In this episode of ShrinksRap, Dr. James Bramson sits down with nationally recognized trauma expert Dr. Jason N. Linder to explore the powerful intersection of EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), mindfulness, and attachment neuroscience. Together, they discuss how these approaches complement one another, when each is most effective, and why healing isn’t simply about reducing symptoms—it’s about creating safety, secure connection, resilience, and the freedom to fully engage in life. The conversation also ventures beyond the therapy office to explore what gives therapists joy
and meaning, why the ability to say “no” is essential for emotional safety and effective clinical supervision, and how today’s immigration climate is affecting Latino and immigrant communities. Along the way, Dr. Linder shares practical wisdom for clinicians, hope for those recovering from trauma, and lessons learned from decades of helping people heal. Whether you’re a therapist, psychology student, or simply fascinated by how people grow and recover, this episode is filled with warmth, clinical insight, and just enough humor to remind us that even
trauma therapists occasionally laugh… usually after making sure everyone has completed their resourcing exercise.