Overview
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is recognized as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
During EMDR sessions, a certified therapist helps the individual revisit memories while guiding them through bilateral stimulation. This is usually done through side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps. The goal in therapy is to help process traumatic memories while reducing the emotional impact and enabling adaptive processing.
EMDR is based on the concept that traumatic experiences may become lodged in the brain, causing challenges in the processing and coping mechanisms. The bilateral stimulation employed in EMDR is believed to replicate the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep, thereby aiding the brain’s innate capacity to process information.
Although EMDR is linked to treating PTSD, it has been applied to address conditions such as anxiety, depression, and phobias. It is crucial for individuals contemplating EMDR to consult with a licensed and trained therapist who can thoroughly evaluate their requirements and deliver suitable care.
8 Phases of EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy typically involves eight distinct phases. These phases are:
Phase 1: History-Taking and Treatment Planning
The EMDR-licensed therapist gathers information about the client’s history, trauma, and current situations that cause emotional distress. The treatment plan is then developed and outlines the target memories to address.
Phase 2: Preparation
During the second phase of EMDR, the therapist educates the client about the process and ensures they have adequate coping skills, such as relaxation and grounding techniques, to help manage emotional distress.
Phase 3-6: Assessment, Desensitization, and Installation
In EMDR therapy, the client goes through a structured process. This involves identifying specific target memories or traumatic events, along with concurrent negative beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations. Additionally, the client establishes a positive belief. The therapist assists in rating the intensity of both positive and negative beliefs.
Afterwards, the client concentrates on the identified target memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, taps, or sounds, aiming to reduce the emotional charge and disturbance linked to the memory.
After each set, the clinician instructs the client to allow their mind to go blank and observe any emerging thoughts, feelings, images, memories, or sensations. Depending on the client’s responses, the clinician guides the next focal point. These sets with directed attention are repeated multiple times within the session. If the client encounters distress or difficulties, the therapist employs established procedures to facilitate progress.
Once the client reports no distress regarding the targeted memory, they are prompted to contemplate the positive belief identified earlier in the session. Positive beliefs and emotions are strengthened and “installed” to replace negative beliefs, contributing to an enhancement of the client’s adaptive coping mechanisms related to the memory.
Phase 7: Closure
In the 7th phase of EMDR, the session is closed systematically, ensuring the client feels grounded and stable. Coping strategies are reinforced for the client to use between sessions.
Phase 8: Reevaluation
At the beginning of the subsequent session, the therapist reassesses the client’s progress. Additional target memories may be identified and processed as needed.
EMDR Therapists
Find an EMDR-certified therapist by visiting the EMDR official website.
Interested in Psychology Express? Fill out the new client form and request an EMDR consult.
