EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), Section 1.0B. Definition states:
“EMDR is an evidence-based, clinician led, psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In addition, successful outcomes are well-documented in the literature for EMDR treatment of other psychiatric disorders, mental health problems, and somatic symptoms. The model on which EMDR is based, Adaptive Information Processing (AIP), posits that much of psychopathology is due to the maladaptive encoding of and/or incomplete processing of traumatic or disturbing adverse life experiences. The AIP model guides clinical practice, explains EMDR’s effects, and provides a common platform for theoretical discussion. The AIP model provides the framework through which the eight phases and three prongs (past, present, and future) of EMDR are understood and implemented. The evolution and elucidation of both mechanisms and models are ongoing through research and theory development.”
EMDR Defined
Reduces symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), often in fewer sessions than some other therapies.
Is recognized as an evidence-based psychotherapy for PTSD by numerous national and international organizations.
Decreases the intensity of traumatic memories and associated emotional distress.
Helps clients process traumatic memories so they become less distressing and more adaptively integrated.
Produces lasting treatment gains that are maintained over follow-up periods in many studies.
Can improve symptoms associated with other mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, grief, phobias, chronic pain, and some somatic symptoms, although the strongest evidence remains for PTSD.
Does not require clients to provide detailed verbal descriptions of traumatic events or complete extensive homework assignments.
Can lead to improvements in self-esteem, emotional regulation, and resilience after traumatic experiences.
May reduce physical symptoms that are linked to unresolved traumatic or adverse experiences.
Is effective across diverse populations, including children, adolescents, and adults, when delivered by appropriately trained clinicians.
Benefits of EMDR
According to the scientific research summarized by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), EMDR therapy has demonstrated the following benefits:
Reduces anxiety, depression, fear, guilt, shame, and anger related to traumatic experiences.
EMDR helps your brain heal from past wounds so you can grow, love, & live more fully.
The 8 Phases of EMDR
PHASE 1
CLIENT HISTORY AND TREATMENT PLANNING:
We begin with history taking, case conceptualization, a trauma timeline, and treatment planning to establish a roadmap for your healing journey.
PHASE 2
PREPARATION:
You'll learn how EMDR works and what to expect throughout therapy. Safe Place and Container exercises, resource development, and grounding techniques that will help you.
PHASE 3
ASSESSMENT:
We'll identify a target memory to process, along with seven other specific associations that include the emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs connected to that experience.
PHASE 4
DESENSITIZATION:
Using bilateral stimulation, we'll safely process the targeted memory at your pace to reduce the emotional distress associated with it while stimulating channels of processing.
INSTALLATION:
PHASE 5
The memory is no longer disturbing. We install and strengthen the positive cognition to replace the negative belief connected
to the memory.
PHASE 6
BODY SCAN:
We'll check for any remaining physical tension or discomfort related to the memory and process any lingering sensations until your body is completely clear of all the negative.
PHASE 7
CLOSURE:
Debrief, relaxation, self-care, TICES log that leaves you feeling safe, stable, and supported.
REEVALUATION:
PHASE 8
Once the memory is completely processed, at the beginning of the next session, we'll check if any triggers remain to ensure that memory has been completely healed.