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The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy

  • Phase 1: History taking (assessment of readiness).

  • Phase 2: Incorporates learning and practicing of distress tolerance skills (coping skills) to control intense emotions that are coming up in and outside of session while receiving EMDR therapy.

  • Phases 3-6: Includes the following components: identifying the target(s) for processing, describing a visual image that represents the specific event, stating a negative believe connected to the event, identifying related emotions and body sensations, finding a positive thought to connect with the event and rating the current emotions plus feelings of truth of the positive thought.  The goal of phases 3-6 is to decrease the intense negative emotions and body sensations through bilateral stimulations while holding the image and target in mind plus installing the positive thought.

  • Phase 7: The closure stage by helping the client calm down and applying self-soothing strategies.  Furthermore, the client will be instructed on using a personal journal to keep track of new material that may arise outside of session.

  • Phase 8: This phase is usually at the beginning of the following session, presents an evaluation of the previous week’s process and possible identifying of new materials that have to be addressed.

The 8 phases of EMDR with a sun in the center, paper and a pencil for phase one, mountains for phase 2, arrows for phase 3, eyes for phase four, light on in phase 5, a body in phase 6, sun and moon for phase 7, body with a brain and heart for phase 8.

Trusting The Process

The Process Of EMDR

Side effects of EMDR can be upsetting and unresolved memories that come up.  Some clients experience reactions during a session that neither they nor the therapist expected like very high levels of emotions and/or physical sensations.  Also, after a session, the processing of materials very likely continues and other dreams, memories, and feelings can arise.  Due to these possible side effects, it is crucial that the client is ready to start EMDR therapy, has a good support system and a pallet of coping skills to choose from in order to self-regulate in and outside of the counseling session.  Certain individuals who have been exposed to severe trauma may show high levels of dissociation, which in layman terms presents an altered level of awareness. 

 

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"There have been two forms of therapy that have had such a positive impact on my life and they are art therapy and EMDR.
Art therapy has been exceptionally helpful in uncovering deep-seated trauma and emotions that have been hidden
for most of my life and EMDR has helped to erase its devastating symptoms. I am now more confident and at peace.
I highly recommend Jocelyn."