The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a therapeutic approach used to help individuals process and heal from trauma. Developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

EMDR therapy is typically divided into eight phases, each of which serves a specific purpose in the treatment process. These phases are designed to help the individual address and reprocess traumatic memories, reduce negative symptoms, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Below, we’ll provide an overview of the eight phases of EMDR therapy.

Phase 1: History-taking and Treatment Planning
In the first phase, the therapist gathers information about the individual’s history, symptoms, and goals for therapy. This information is used to develop a treatment plan tailored to the individual’s specific needs and experiences.

Phase 2: Preparation
During this phase, the therapist helps the individual develop skills and resources to cope with distress and manage emotions. This may involve relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, or other tools to increase the individual’s ability to self-regulate.

Phase 3: Assessment
The assessment phase involves identifying the specific memories, thoughts, and feelings that are contributing to the individual’s current distress. The therapist works with the individual to target these specific experiences for reprocessing.

Phase 4: Desensitization
In this phase, the individual engages in bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, taps, or auditory tones, while recalling the targeted traumatic memory. This process helps to desensitize the individual to the distressing memory and allows for new insights and connections to emerge.

Phase 5: Installation
During the installation phase, the individual focuses on integrating positive beliefs and coping skills to replace the negative thoughts and emotions associated with the traumatic memory. This helps to strengthen the individual’s sense of self-efficacy and resilience.

Phase 6: Body Scan
The body scan phase involves checking in with the individual to ensure that they are no longer experiencing physical tension or discomfort related to the targeted memory. This phase helps to ensure that the reprocessing is complete and that the individual feels a sense of resolution.

Phase 7: Closure
At the end of each session, the therapist guides the individual through a process of closure to help them transition back to their daily life. This may involve relaxation exercises or other grounding techniques.

Phase 8: Reevaluation
In the final phase, the therapist and individual review the progress made in treatment and identify any remaining areas of distress that may need to be targeted in future sessions. This phase helps to ensure that the individual has addressed all relevant aspects of their trauma and is equipped to move forward with their healing journey.

Overall, the eight phases of EMDR provide a structured framework for addressing and reprocessing traumatic memories, reducing distressing symptoms, and promoting healing and resilience. While EMDR may not be suitable for everyone, it has been demonstrated to be effective for many individuals struggling with the impact of trauma. If you or someone you know is interested in EMDR therapy, it is important to seek out a trained and experienced EMDR therapist who can provide comprehensive support throughout the treatment process.