Tap to Adapt is based on EMDR strategies for group settings. Unlike traditional groups, attendees do not share or talk about the life stressors they want to address during the workshop. Keeping individual goals private prevents others from carrying secondary burdens, limits one or two from monopolizing the time,  and grants everyone space to make progress.  Tap to Adapt Workshops are structured settings, removing the anxiety of being put on the spot or sharing too much.  

​

EMDR  stands for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing. The "Eye Movement" replicates the stage of REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement) when our eyes move rapidly back and forth helping our brains sort out the day's interactions. During stressful or traumatic times, our brains don't know where to sort or file everything, leaving behind feelings of overwhelm and stress. By intentionally pairing alternating movements (right/left tapping and eye tracking) with focused thought, our brains are able to make new more adaptive paths in thinking. This is the "Desensitization" that lowers stress. These new brain pathways then create healthy ripple effects that are felt days after the workshop. This is the "Reprocessing" that boosts resilience.

​

During the workshop, attendees are provided education about the brain and how stress impacts its functioning. Then participants are given grounding aids and a strategy sheet that acts as a map through 7 steps. The worksheet has places to log current stress levels, allowing the workshop leaders the ability to monitor progress or challenges. The workshop provides space to learn, practice, and apply new strategies.