EMDR

What is EMDR?

EMDR can be used with children and individuals struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, traumatic incidents, and other symptoms. Phase 1 of EMDR includes gaining a History of the client’s need and life experiences to determine what type of counseling would be most effective for the client. In this phase, the client builds a trusted relationship with their counselor. If the counselor and client decide that EMDR is appropriate for their needs, Phase 2 is Preparing the client for what to expect and providing relaxation exercises and tools to use outside of sessions. In Phase 3, an Assessment of the images, negative thoughts, feelings, and sensations that have been triggered for the client are considered. Phase 4, Desensitization, includes the reprocessing of memories with stimulation. Negative and traumatic memories in life can cause overreactions to current situations by the triggers from the negative thoughts, feelings, or sensations from past events. When the stimulation is used, it mimics REM sleep when we dream. It is similar to riding on a train and watching the scenery pass by with different images coming to mind with each set of stimulation. Phase 5 is Installation and associates the positive beliefs, emotions, and sensations the client has experienced with stimulation in the session to the negative experiences of the past. Phases 6-8 include a Body Scan of any negative sensations, Closure, and Reevaluation.