The therapist will meet with you and create a relationship and a treatment plan based on the 8 phases of EMDR.
Phase 1: History Taking: The clinician determines the suitability of EMDR therapy for the client and for the presenting problem and determines whether the timing is appropriate. Based on the presenting issue, the clinician explores targets for future EMDR reprocessing from negative events in the client’s life. The clinician prepares a treatment plan with attention to past and present experiences, and future clinical issues. It is also important to identify positive or adaptive aspects of the client’s personality and life experience. Coping skills may be explored and enhanced before starting EMDR.
Phase 2: In the Preparation Phase the clinician discusses the therapeutic framework of EMDR with the client and gives sufficient information so the client can give informed consent. The therapist prepares the client for EMDR reprocessing by establishing a relationship sufficient to give the client a sense of safety and foster the client’s ability to tell the therapist what s/he is experiencing throughout the reprocessing. The client develops mastery of skills in self-soothing and in affect regulation as appropriate to facilitate dual awareness during the reprocessing sessions and to maintain stability between sessions.
Phase 3: The Assessment Phase entails gathering information about previous disturbing events, negative cognitions rating those through subjective units of distress. A positive goal cognition is established, and the validity of the cognition is assessed.
During Phase 4: Desensitization Phase, the memory is activated and the clinician asks the client to notice his/her experiences while the clinician provides alternating bilateral stimulation. The client may report new insights, associations, information, and emotional, sensory, somatic or behavioral shifts. The clinician intervenes with specific techniques if processing is blocked. The desensitization process continues until the SUD level is reduced to 0.
In Phase 5, Installation Phase, the therapist first asks the client to check for a potential new positive belief related to the target memory. The goal is to help reinforce the positive belief through bilateral stimulation during this stage, not that the disturbing image or memory is reprocessed.
In the Phase 6 Body Scan Phase, the therapist asks the client to hold in mind both the target event and the positive belief and to mentally scan the body. The therapist asks the client to identify any positive or negative bodily sensations. The therapist continues bilateral stimulation when these bodily sensations are present until the client reports only neutral or positive sensations.
Phase 7, the Closure Phase, occurs at the end of any session in which unprocessed, disturbing material has been activated whether the target has been fully reprocessed or not. The therapist may use a variety of techniques to orient the client fully to the present and facilitate client stability at the completion of the session and between sessions. It is important to not that processing can occur outside off session after this phase.
In Phase 8, the Reevaluation Phase, the clinician, assesses the effects of previous reprocessing of targets looking for any new or old material that may need reprocessing, current triggers, anticipated future challenges, and systemic issues. If any residual or new targets are present, these are targeted and Phases 3-8 are repeated.
By engaging in EMDR, you can calm your nervous system, improve your relationships, and find inner resilience when you recall the traumatic events from your past. With a nonjudgmental and effective therapist, you can center yourself ,and regain your equilibrium after a traumatic event or even a lifetime of trauma.
