Recipe Weekend: Self-Guided EMDR Workbook by Natalia Aiza, MA

 Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this ebook, free of charge, from Zeitgeist Books, via their Zeitgeist Insiders Club,for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it. All opinions are my own

Use safe EMDR techniques adapted for self-guided practice to reduce triggers, reprocess painful memories, and shift negative self-beliefs

Synopsis:

If you feel stuck in the past—triggered by memories, overwhelmed by anxiety, or trapped in patterns you can’t explain—Self-Guided EMDR Workbook offers a structured, supportive path toward healing. This practical workbook introduces a safety-first approach to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), one of the most effective, research-backed therapies for trauma recovery. While EMDR is traditionally guided by therapists, the tools in this book have been carefully adapted for safe, self-guided practice at home by a licensed EMDR trained clinician.   

Inside, you’ll learn how to: 

• Identify the root memories behind emotional triggers  
  

• Reduce the intensity of distressing thoughts and reactions  
  

• Reprocess painful memories so they feel less overwhelming  
  

• Replace negative self-beliefs with healthier, more accurate ones  
  

• Build practical tools for emotional regulation and resilience 
  

Through clear explanations, guided exercises, and step-by-step worksheets, you’ll learn how to move through the eight phases of EMDR at your own pace while staying grounded and supported.

Review:

EMDR is a relatively new concept for many behavorists, so especially if you are in a smaller community, you might not have access to a therapist that uses. That's where this book can be very resourceful for you, or if your therapist wants you to work on the concepts at home, this can be a good starting point for 'homework'. The pages also are good to allow a patient to have their talking points ready and not to be struggling to bring them up when needed during therapy. We showed it to 2 different therapists, who do use EMDR, and they will be getting some copies for their clients to use, as they feel it is very well done. The book simplifies the process, but also helps the patient to understand the what and why behind EMDR and how it can help them control trigger reactions and build emotional regulation at their own pace, with the books help. Well done and highly recommended!

About the Author

Natalia Aíza, LPC, MA, is the founder and clinical director of Kairos Wellness, a family-focused OCD and anxiety clinic located in Boulder, Colorado. Since its founding, Kairos has served more than two thousand families and individual clients. Natalia is also an advocate for OCD awareness, providing free psychoeducation on her popular Instagram account @letstalk.ocd. Her core mission is to facilitate awareness and healing for individuals with OCD, particularly those who lack access to specialized therapists.