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EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing
Background
 First discovery of the effects of spontaneous eye
movement in 1987
 First controlled study published in the Journal of
Traumatic Stress in 1989
 Discovery of other forms of bilateral stimulation in
1990, leading to the creation of EMDR
Adaptive Informational
Processing Model
About EMDR
 An integrative psychotherapy approach found to
effectively treat trauma-related disorders
 Such as PTSD, dissociative identity disorder,
and trauma-related borderline personality
disorder
 Amount of time for complete treatment depends
on the client’s history
 Addresses the issues that contribute to clinical
problems
Goals of EMDR
 “To achieve the most effective and efficient
treatment effects while maintaining client safety”
 “To achieve appropriate, adaptive and ecological
resolution of presenting problems”
 “To incorporate new skills, behaviors and beliefs
about self, optimizing clients’ capacity to respond
adaptively in the current context of their lives”
Three-Pronged Reprocessing
Approach
 Past Events
 First root causal experience
 Worst experience
 Any additional experiences
 Present Triggers
 Future- Desired Outcomes
8 Phase Treatment Approach
Phase One: Client History
 Obtain background information to identify
appropriate use of EMDR treatment
 Identify the presenting issues and related past
experiences
 Develop a treatment plan targeting specific
events for memory reprocessing
 Pregnant women and those with cardiac,
respiratory or ocular problems should consult
their healthcare providers prior to treatment
Phase Two: Preparation
 Goal: establish a relationship of trust between
therapist and client
 Education to client of EMDR practice
 Informed Consent
 Client is taught affect management skills to cope
with any emotional disturbance that may arise
Phase Three: Assessment
 Processing of targeted event (chosen during
Phase One) begins
 Identify cognitive distortion “I am worthless” and
a positive self-statement that is desirable “I am
worthwhile”
 Therapist takes baseline measurement of target
event
 Client will be able to identify the emotions and
physical sensations associated with the event
Phase Four: Desensitization
 Process the experience toward a desirable SUD
level
 Identify and resolve similar events associated with
trigger
 Therapist leads client in a set of eye movements
with appropriate shifts and changes of focus
 Client to be guided through complete resolution
of targeted event
Phase Five: Installation
 Strengthen association of positive cognition
 Goal is for client to accept positive self-statement
at a level 7 on the Validity of Cognition scale
Phase Six: Body Scan
 Original targeted event will be assessed again to
check if physical sensations still present
 If negative physical response present,
reprocessing will be repeated until it disipates
Phase Seven: Closure
 Client needs help to stabilize and orient them to
the present
 Close of session with plan for between session
techniques, such as keeping a daily journal in case
processing continues to take place
 This is extremely important in cases when
complete processing cannot be done in one
session
Phase Eight: Reevaluation
 This phase guides the therapist through proper
protocol
 Reassess GAF score
 Client report on progress between sessions
 Re-access the targeted event and emotions to
continue treatment plan
 Evaluate treatment efficacy
References
 Van der Hart, O., Nijenhuis, E., and Solomon, R.
Dissociation of the Personality in Complex Trauma-Related
Disorders and EMDR: Theoretical Considerations. Journal
of EMDR Practice and Research, Volume 4, Number 2,
2010. DOI: 10.1891/1933-3196.4.2.76 pages 76-92
 EMDR The breakthrough “Eye movement” therapy for
overcoming anxiety, stress, and trauma by Francine
Shapiro, Margot Silk Forrest. April 11, 1998. Published by
Basic Books:New York.