The (brief) stages of EMDR

The 8 stages of EMDR include:

1. History taking and treatment planning

2. Preparation

3. Assessment

4. Desensitisation

5. Installation

6. Body Scan

7. Closure

8. Re-evaluation

The 8 stages (briefly) explained:

1. History taking and treatment planning:

   - What brought you here? This is the stage where we discuss your symptoms, goals and work out a treatment plan

   
   

2. Preparation:

   - EMDR is explained, and your questions answered

   - Coping techniques are built on and practiced

   
   

3. Assessment:

   - Identifying the targets and stuck memories. We also map linked memories.

   - Negative beliefs about yourself and the world are identified

   - Resources and coping strategies are identified and mapped

   - Positive beliefs you would prefer to hold about yourself and the world are determined. These ideally contradict the negative belief

   
   

4. Desensitisation:

   - You will be asked to bring to mind a disturbing aspect of the memory - this 'activates' the memory

   - Your working memory will be engaged using eye movements, sounds or tapping (e.g., you will be asked to watch my fingers as they move back and forward)

   - You will be prompted to notice whatever comes up in your mind / body

   - As this stage progresses, we will track your subjective distress associated with the target memory

   
   

5. Installation:

   - When the target memory is desensitised, your chosen positive belief will be strengthened

   - The positive belief is paired with the target memory

   

6. Body:

   - You are guided in examining your mind and body for any distress, tension, numbness or discomfort related to the target memory

   - Further processing may be done using bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements) to help process this

7. Closure:

   - This includes assistance in grounding and rehearsal of coping techniques

   - Concluding the therapy session and arranging follow up sessions

   
   

8. Re-evaluation:

   - This occurs at future sessions to assess the effectiveness of the prior session, and check in with anything that has come up between sessions

   - New targets may also be identified for processing

   - Additional sessions are planned as required

Extra information:

'3 Prongs' - Past / Present / Future

The stages of EMDR can be used for targeting:

1. Past experiences

2. Present triggers

3. Future templating

Past experiences:

• This involves identifying relevant past experiences in order to desensitise adverse memories and strengthen positive beliefs

Present triggers:

• This involves identifying and processing current environmental and internal cues that are activating for you

  
  

Future templating:

• This involves identifying and targeting potential future triggers and desensitising them (e.g., reducing an anxiety response when thinking about an upcoming public speaking event)

• Additionally, future templating involves reinforcing positive beliefs and using visualisation to help you prepare for positive future experiences

Memory mapping

Memory mapping, also known as 'target sequencing,' helps to chart both negative and positive life events. Several techniques are used to create a timeline of memories connected by a central theme (like a belief or strong emotion).

This process helps clients synthesise significant experiences and assists clients and therapists in identifying key memory targets for either strengthening or desensitisation.