Understanding the 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy
How EMDR Works: 8 Phases
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach that helps individuals process and heal from trauma and other distressing life experiences. EMDR therapy consists of eight distinct phases, each contributing to the overall healing journey. Let’s explore these stages in detail.
Phase 1: History Taking and Treatment Planning
In this initial phase, the therapist gathers a comprehensive history of the client’s experiences, current symptoms, and treatment goals. This phase involves identifying target memories for EMDR processing and understanding the client’s emotional, psychological, and physical health. Effective treatment planning ensures that the therapy is tailored to the client’s unique needs and prepares the groundwork for the following phases.
Contribution to Healing: Establishes a clear understanding of the client’s issues, sets specific treatment goals, and builds a strong therapeutic relationship.
Phase 2: Preparation
During the preparation phase, the therapist explains the EMDR process, answers any questions, and ensures the client feels safe and comfortable. The therapist also teaches the client various coping strategies and relaxation techniques to manage emotional distress that may arise during the therapy.
Contribution to Healing: Builds trust between the client and therapist, equips the client with tools to handle emotional distress, and ensures the client is well-prepared for the intensive phases of EMDR.
Phase 3: Assessment
In this phase, the therapist and client select a specific target memory to process. The therapist helps the client identify the visual image related to the memory, the negative belief about themselves associated with the memory, and the desired positive belief they wish to achieve. The client also identifies the emotions and physical sensations linked to the memory.
Contribution to Healing: Provides a clear focus for the EMDR sessions and helps the client connect their negative beliefs and emotions to specific memories.
Phase 4: Desensitization
The desensitization phase involves the client recalling the distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements, taps, or tones). This process continues until the memory becomes less distressing and the client can think about it without significant emotional disturbance.
Contribution to Healing: Reduces the emotional intensity of the traumatic memory and helps the client process the experience in a less distressing manner.
Phase 5: Installation
During the installation phase, the therapist helps the client strengthen the desired positive belief identified in the assessment phase. The client focuses on this positive belief while continuing the bilateral stimulation until it feels true and fully integrated.
Contribution to Healing: Reinforces positive self-beliefs and fosters a more adaptive understanding of the traumatic experience.
Phase 6: Body Scan
The body scan phase involves the client focusing on the target memory and the positive belief while scanning their body for any residual tension or discomfort. The therapist uses bilateral stimulation to process any remaining physical sensations until they are resolved.
Contribution to Healing: Ensures that the healing process is complete by addressing any lingering physical responses to the traumatic memory.
Phase 7: Closure
In the closure phase, the therapist ensures that the client feels stable and safe before ending the session. If the memory has not been fully processed, the therapist provides techniques to help the client regain emotional equilibrium. The therapist also encourages the client to keep a log of any thoughts, emotions, or memories that arise between sessions.
Contribution to Healing: Promotes emotional stability and provides tools for the client to manage any distress that may occur between sessions.
Phase 8: Reevaluation
The reevaluation phase occurs at the beginning of subsequent sessions. The therapist assesses the client’s current psychological state, reviews progress, and determines the effectiveness of the treatment. This phase helps identify any new target memories that need processing.
Contribution to Healing: Ensures continuous monitoring of progress, addresses any new issues that arise, and fine-tunes the treatment plan to meet the client’s evolving needs.Each phase of EMDR therapy plays a crucial role in helping individuals process traumatic memories, reduce emotional distress, and develop healthier beliefs about themselves. Through this structured approach, clients can achieve profound and lasting healing.
If you are curious about EMDR therapy and whether it could be the right treatment for you, please reach out via phone (480-256-2999), text (480-256-2829), or e-mail (info@restoredcw.com) to consult with one of our highly experienced EMDR therapists. You can also book an appointment via the contact page on our website.
Restored Counseling & Wellness Center
633 E. Ray Rd. Ste 131
Gilbert, AZ 85296
Phone: 480-256-2999
Text: 480-256-2829