EMDR Steps: The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has since gained recognition as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions. Understanding the “EMDR Steps” is crucial for those considering this therapy. This article delves into the eight phases of EMDR therapy, explaining each step’s significance and process.

1. History Taking and Treatment Planning

The first of the EMDR Steps involves gathering comprehensive information about the client’s history and identifying the target memories to address during therapy. This phase is critical as it helps the therapist understand the client’s background, trauma history, and current symptoms.

1. Assessment: The therapist conducts a thorough assessment to gather detailed information about the client’s psychological and emotional history.

2. Identification of Targets: Specific traumatic memories, negative beliefs, and emotional triggers are identified as targets for EMDR processing.

2. Preparation

Preparation is the second of the EMDR Steps and focuses on establishing a therapeutic relationship and preparing the client for the EMDR process. This phase is essential for building trust and ensuring the client feels safe and supported.

1. Explaining EMDR: The therapist explains the EMDR process, including how it works and what to expect during sessions.

2. Coping Strategies: Clients are taught coping strategies, such as mindfulness and relaxation techniques, to manage emotional distress during and between sessions.

3. Assessment

The third of the EMDR Steps involves assessing the target memory in detail. This phase sets the stage for processing the traumatic memory by evaluating its various components.

1. Image Identification: The client identifies a specific image that represents the traumatic memory.

2. Negative Cognition: The client identifies a negative belief associated with the memory, such as “I am powerless.”

3. Positive Cognition: The client selects a positive belief they would like to associate with the memory, such as “I am in control.”

4. Emotional Response: The client rates the intensity of their emotional response to the memory using a scale known as the Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD).

4. Desensitization

Desensitization is one of the core EMDR Steps where the actual processing of the traumatic memory occurs. This phase involves using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, to help the brain reprocess the memory.

1. Bilateral Stimulation: The therapist guides the client through sets of eye movements, taps, or auditory tones while the client focuses on the traumatic memory.

2. Processing: The client notices any thoughts, feelings, or sensations that arise during the bilateral stimulation and reports them to the therapist.

3. Repeated Sets: The process is repeated until the memory becomes less distressing and the SUD score decreases significantly.

5. Installation

Installation is the fifth of the EMDR Steps, focusing on strengthening the positive cognition identified in the assessment phase. This phase helps replace the negative belief associated with the traumatic memory with a positive one.

1. Positive Cognition: The client focuses on the positive belief they identified earlier.

2. Bilateral Stimulation: The therapist uses bilateral stimulation to help integrate the positive belief with the memory.

3. Strengthening: The process is repeated until the positive cognition feels completely true to the client.

6. Body Scan

The body scan is a unique aspect of the EMDR Steps that involves checking for any residual physical tension or distress related to the traumatic memory. This phase ensures that the memory has been fully processed at a somatic level.

1. Scanning for Tension: The client scans their body for any physical sensations or tension related to the memory.

2. Processing Residual Sensations: If any physical tension or discomfort is detected, the therapist guides the client through additional bilateral stimulation to process these sensations.

7. Closure

Closure is a crucial phase among the EMDR Steps, ensuring that the client leaves each session feeling safe and grounded. This phase is particularly important if the memory has not been fully processed in one session.

1. Emotional Stability: The therapist ensures the client feels emotionally stable and provides additional coping strategies if needed.

2. Grounding Techniques: The client is guided through grounding techniques to help them return to a state of calm and balance.

3. Session Review: The therapist and client review the session’s progress and discuss any follow-up steps.

8. Reevaluation

Reevaluation is the final phase of the EMDR Steps, conducted at the beginning of the next session. This phase assesses the progress made and determines if further processing is needed.

1. Reviewing Progress: The therapist reviews the client’s progress since the last session, including any changes in symptoms or emotional responses.

2. Additional Targets: If necessary, additional targets are identified for future processing.

3. Continuation: The EMDR process continues with new or remaining targets until the client’s symptoms are resolved.

Conclusion

Understanding the EMDR Steps is essential for anyone considering this therapy for trauma and related conditions. Each of the eight phases plays a crucial role in helping clients process and heal from their traumatic experiences. By following these steps, therapists can guide clients through a structured and effective treatment process, ultimately leading to significant improvements in their mental health and well-being.

For those interested in exploring EMDR therapy, it’s important to find a qualified therapist who can guide you through these EMDR Steps. To learn more and read reviews on online therapy options, visit find an EMDR therapist.

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**Sources:**

1. EMDR International Association – About EMDR Therapy
2. NCBI – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Past, Present, and Future Research
3. Psychology Today – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy