EMDR Is a Structured Protocol
One of EMDR therapy‘s distinguishing features is its highly structured, eight-phase protocol. Unlike some therapeutic approaches that are more improvisational, EMDR follows a specific sequence that has been developed and refined over decades of clinical research. Understanding the eight phases helps clients engage more confidently with the process.
Phases One and Two: Foundation Building
Phase One involves history-taking and treatment planning – gathering a comprehensive picture of the client’s history, identifying the memories and experiences to be targeted, and establishing the treatment sequencing. Phase Two focuses on preparation – explaining EMDR to the client, assessing their capacity for processing, and developing stabilization resources that will support the work ahead.
Phases Three Through Six: Active Processing
Assessment (Phase Three)
Before processing each target memory, the therapist helps the client clearly access it – identifying the specific image, associated negative beliefs, emotions, and body sensations. A baseline disturbance rating is established so progress can be tracked.
Desensitization (Phase Four)
This is the core processing phase, during which bilateral stimulation is applied while the client holds the target material in mind. The therapist guides the sets of stimulation and checks in between each set to track what’s coming up and allow the processing to follow its natural course.
Installation and Body Scan (Phases Five and Six)
Once the disturbance level is significantly reduced, a positive cognition is installed to replace the original negative belief. A body scan then ensures that no residual tension or disturbance remains in the body related to the processed memory.
Phases Seven and Eight: Closure and Evaluation
Phase Seven ensures the client returns to equilibrium at the end of each session, with stabilization tools applied if needed. Phase Eight at the beginning of subsequent sessions evaluates the effects of the previous session’s processing and determines whether additional work on the same target is needed before moving on.
Conclusion
The structured nature of EMDR therapy is part of its effectiveness – each phase serves a specific clinical purpose, and the sequence ensures that processing happens in a context of adequate preparation and support. Evergreen Therapeutics delivers EMDR with full fidelity to this evidence-based protocol.
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