What are the 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based structured psychotherapy used for treating trauma, PTSD, and other psychological distress. 

EMDR works by using bilateral stimulation, like eye movements, to reprocess traumatic experiences, reducing their emotional charge.

Unlike other forms of therapy that often dive right into dissecting and reprocessing disturbing memories, EMDR uses a more structured 8-phase therapeutic approach. 

These eight phases are designed to encompass all aspects of traumatic memories and reframe negative beliefs by understanding an individual’s past, present, and future.

Seeing results takes time and it is essential for those seeking EMDR therapy to understand each phase and how they build towards emotional healing and recovery; promoting resilience and a healthier mindset.

If you’re new to this approach, our primer on what EMDR therapy is and how it works provides a clear overview of its structure and benefits.

Understanding The 8-Phases of EMDR Therapy

Phase 1: Gathering Client History

This first step is crucial in identifying traumatic memories and current symptoms. By understanding the individual’s past and present psychological state, a therapist can identify memories that need to be processed. 

Building trust and explaining the EMDR process is also vital in this phase, ensuring the client feels comfortable and informed about what to expect from the therapy.

Phase 2: Preparation

In the preparation phase, the therapist educates the client about the workings of EMDR and teaches techniques such as relaxation exercises, visualization, or mindfulness to manage emotional distress. 

This phase also focuses on developing a collaborative treatment plan, fostering a strong therapeutic alliance, and making the client feel safe and supported throughout the process.

Phase 3: Assessment

The assessment phase involves identifying the specific memory to target in therapy, along with the negative belief that is attached to that memory. 

For instance, a client might hold a belief such as “I am powerless”. A therapist will reprocess this negative belief into a positive belief, such as “I am in control”. 

To conduct an assessment a therapist will use scales such as the Validity of Cognition (VoC) to measure how true the positive belief feels to the client, and the Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS) to gauge the level of emotional distress associated with the memory.

Phase 4: Desensitization

In this phase, bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements, taps, or sounds) is introduced to reduce the emotional disturbance linked to the traumatic memory. 

As the client focuses on the memory, the therapist monitors the SUDS scale to track changes in emotional intensity. 

The phase continues until the therapist can achieve an SUDS rating of zero, ensuring the memory no longer triggers distress. 

Phase 5: Installation

Once the client achieves a zero SUDS rating, the therapist moves on to the next phase – Installation. 

This phase focuses on strengthening the positive belief established in the assessment phase.

The negative belief is replaced with a healthier one, such as “I am safe now”, “I can trust myself,”, etc. 

Techniques are used to reinforce this positive cognition, making it feel more authentic to the client. 

The goal is for the client to internalize this positive belief and integrate it into their current way of thinking.

Phase 6: Body Scan

Even after emotional desensitization, the body may still hold onto tension or discomfort. 

By scanning a client’s body for any somatic symptoms that persist, a therapist can address any remaining physical responses to the traumatic memory. 

Techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or other body-focused strategies are often used to resolve any lingering symptoms. 

This phase ensures that the trauma is cognitively and physically processed, promoting a sense of holistic healing.

Phase 7: Closure

Closure ensures that the client leaves each session feeling stable, calm, and emotionally balanced. 

If a therapist is unable to fully process a memory by the end of a session, they will ensure that the client is in a good mental state before they head back into the world. 

They may also suggest relaxation exercises, journaling, or grounding techniques to help the client maintain emotional stability until the next session.

Phase 8: Reevaluation

The final phase, reevaluation, occurs at the beginning of each new session. 

The therapist assesses the client’s progress, ensuring that previous memories targeted during therapy have been fully processed. 

If new memories or issues arise, they can be addressed in subsequent sessions. 

This phase helps to track the effectiveness of the therapy and adjust the treatment plan as necessary. It also ensures that the client continues to move toward lasting emotional healing.

EMDR Therapy Services in Dartmouth, NS

Struggling to overcome the impacts of trauma, anxiety, or depression? Regain control of your life and find lasting relief with EMDR therapy services at Spectrum Therapeutic Solutions in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Our highly qualified and experienced therapists utilize EMDR to help clients recover from psychological trauma, PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, and other distressing life experiences. 

Let us help you process and overcome traumatic memories and achieve lasting emotional healing. 

Book an appointment or call (902) 932-2395 for details.

To maintain steady progress and momentum after your initial sessions, learn how often to go to therapy for consistent support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes EMDR different from other forms of therapy?

EMDR differs from other forms of therapy as it focuses on bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps to change the way a memory is stored in the brain rather than directly altering the memory itself. 

How long does each phase of EMDR take?

The duration of each phase can vary from client to client, but in most instances, desensitization and installation are the longest phases and can take multiple sessions to complete. The entire EMDR process can therefore last a few weeks or a few months, depending on the severity of the trauma.

Can EMDR be used for conditions other than PTSD?

Yes, EMDR can be used for treating a range of psychological distresse,s including anxiety, depression, and phobias.

What are some common outcomes of EMDR therapy?

Common outcomes of EMDR therapy include reduced emotional distress associated with traumatic memories, improved self-esteem, enhanced emotional stability, and alleviation of trauma symptoms.