Developed in 1987 by Dr. Francine Shapiro, eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy initially designed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Since then, it has become one of the most widely used trauma treatments.
Though EMDR therapy is gaining popularity, many individuals are unaware of what it includes. For this very reason, it may be overlooked in favour of more traditional treatments, such as talking therapies.
However, as EMDR is thought to be more beneficial than other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), understanding the eight phases of EMDR is advantageous.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
Before delving into the eight phases of EMDR therapy, it’s worth understanding how EMDR works.
Essentially, EMDR offers fast relief of symptoms relating to anxiety, depression, stress, anger, and flashbacks that accompany trauma. Conducted in a one-to-one setting with a therapist, EMDR therapy increases activity in the brain and encourages an individual to remember and explore traumatic experiences.
Whilst reflecting on experiences such as combat, accidents, illnesses, and bereavement can give way to pessimistic feelings, EMDR therapy works to reduce the effects of trauma and other mental health disorders. It also helps many people recognise triggers that could cause them to re-encounter symptoms related to PTSD.
Typically, an individual who experiences severe PTSD will require numerous sessions and these are often conducted a few times a week. However, those with mild trauma or anxiety may require less treatment.
What Are The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy?
Like many other trauma-informed therapies and treatments, EMDR therapy is made up of various stages. To be successful, these stages must be completed in a set order.
According to the EMDR International Association, the eight phases of EMDR therapy include history and treatment planning, preparation, assessment, desensitisation, installation, body scan, closure, and re-evaluation.
Below, we have outlined each phase to offer greater insight into this particularly beneficial treatment.
- History and Treatment Planning
As with other trauma treatments, the first phase of EMDR therapy includes an initial review and treatment planning. The clients personal and medical history will be explored and they may be asked several questions.
Whilst talking about the past may seem daunting, doing so is vital if appropriate treatment is to be provided, so it’s important that the client answers as honestly as possible.
Upon reviewing the clients history, a treatment plan will be created. At Vitalis Wellbeing, we appreciate that each person has different circumstances. As a result, we create personalised EMDR therapy programmes that take our clients goals and needs into consideration.
- Preparation
Having been offered a wealth of information clients may have several unanswered questions, not only about treatment but the way it will affect them. They may even question whether EMDR therapy will be of benefit to them.
During the preparation phase of therapy, any questions will be answered. Likewise, if clients have any concerns, they will have the opportunity to express and discuss them with their therapist.
- Assessment
Upon completing the preparation phase, the assessment stage commences. Here, the traumatic memory is assessed to review images, beliefs, feelings and sensations associated with it.
EMDR measures trauma using the Validity of Cognition (VOC) and Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD) scales. These scales review the emotion or emotions associated with trauma and ask the individual progressing through treatment to review the level of disturbance it has on them in the present day on a scale of one to ten.
- Desensitisation
The fourth phase of EMDR therapy is desensitisation and this is where treatment starts. During this phase, the client is asked to focus on the traumatic event or trauma they have experienced whilst participating in eye movement or bilateral stimulation as it is otherwise known.
Following an object back and forth or up and down and combining bilateral stimulation with controlled breathing encourages the client to let their trauma progress through their brain and body and rise to the surface. In doing so, emotions, physical sensations, or sensory representations related to the trauma can be uncovered.
- Installation
Having identified the emotions, sensations, and feelings that accompany trauma, the installation phase of EMDR therapy encourages the client to release and replace these with new, more constructive thoughts, feelings and sensations. Here, positive cognition is emphasised and reinforced and SUD decreases.
- Body Scan
Upon completing the desensitisation and installation phase, it is important for the client to review VOC and SUD once again. Here, the therapist will ask the client to think about the traumatic event or trauma encountered.
When EMDR therapy is successful, clients will notice the intensity of feelings and emotions encountered when thinking about the event will have reduced or alleviated entirely.
- Closure
As the session concludes, clients enter a state of relaxation and are encouraged to seek closure. This ensures that the client leaves the session feeling better than they did upon entering.
- Re-Evaluation
The final phase, re-evaluation, enables the client to revisit the VOC and SUD scale and review how they feel and the disturbance that originates from this. Before the session concludes, additional goals and targets are set for the following session.
As can be seen by exploring these eight phases, EMDR therapy helps those who have experienced trauma process any negative associations and relieve themselves of the harmful thinking patterns that may otherwise hinder their life.
EMDR Therapy At Vitalis Wellbeing
At Vitalis Wellbeing, we specialise in providing EMDR therapy to those who find their life impaired by PTSD and other mental health disorders.
Please contact us today if you would like to find out more about EMDR therapy or uncover how we can assist you as you embark on your recovery journey.
