WHAT HAPPENS?
February 1, 2023 | EMDR
We often hear from clients that until they experience EMDR therapy, they didn’t really understand what it was going to look like. So, let’s break it down to give a clearer picture.
Phase 1 – History Taking and Treatment Planning
The EMDR therapist will ask questions about your history to fully understand where targets might be and what might be related. Topics will include relationships with parents and siblings, experiences as a child, experiences with school, experiences as a youth/young adult, and any experiences that you feel are distressing. We develop a target map so that we can make a plan for moving through the targets that you are wanting to address. This might take 2 sessions or more.
Phase 2 – Preparation
While we won’t ask for all the details, sitting with some of the distressing memories might be painful. We want to make sure that you have the resources you need to manage any distress that arises during the process. This work could include mindfulness tools, coping strategies, and emotional awareness and literacy (watch for a blog on this coming soon!).
Phase 3 – Assessment
Once we have determined which target we are going to reprocess, we need to assess it. This is done in a very structured way by asking about the following:
— Painful Memory
— Images
— Negative core beliefs
— Body Sensations
— Emotions
Phase 4-7 – Re-Processing
The re-processing begins with desensitization. As you focus on the pieces identified in the assessment, we use short sets of bilateral stimulation via eye movements or tappers. Like you are sitting on a train just watching the scenery go by, we ask you to simply notice what is coming up for you and report just the headlines in between the bilateral stimulation.
Once there does not seem to be any more negative or distressing thoughts or emotions, we install a positive belief selected in the assessment. We then do a body scan to ensure that there are no more distressing physical sensations.
Phase 8 – Re-evaluation
Once a target feels cleared, we re-evaluate it at our next session to ensure that nothing new has come up. If something arises, we may continue with re-processing. If it seems clear, we move on to the next target or goal.
Steps 3 through 8 are completed for each target that you have identified on your target map.If you are thinking to yourself “that process is all well and good, but how will it actually help me?”, stay tuned to find out what issues EMDR can be used for and the benefits it can offer!