Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy Protocol
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a scientifically validated, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help individuals heal from distressing life experiences and trauma. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they are no longer psychologically disruptive. Rather than focusing primarily on talking about the event, EMDR engages the brain’s natural healing mechanisms to integrate and release the emotional charge associated with painful memories.
The EMDR 8-Phase Protocol
EMDR follows a structured eight-phase protocol that allows for safe and effective processing of trauma while ensuring stability throughout the therapeutic journey.
History Taking and Treatment Planning
In this phase, the therapist gathers a detailed history of the client, identifying target memories that may be contributing to current symptoms. Together, the client and therapist explore past traumatic events, current triggers, and desired future outcomes. This phase includes understanding the client’s presenting issues, identifying potential targets, assessing readiness for EMDR, and developing a tailored treatment plan.
Preparation
The therapist helps the client build emotional resources and safety skills to manage distress that may arise during reprocessing. This includes grounding techniques, relaxation strategies, and stabilization tools to ensure trust and safety.
Assessment
Therapist and client identify a specific traumatic memory to target, breaking it down into components such as image, negative cognition, positive cognition, emotions, and body sensations. The client rates levels of distress (SUD) and the validity of positive cognition (VOC).
Desensitization
The core phase of EMDR. The therapist guides the client through sets of bilateral stimulation (BLS) such as eye movements, taps, or tones. As the client focuses on the memory, the brain reprocesses it, reducing its emotional intensity.
Installation
The therapist strengthens the client’s positive cognition through continued bilateral stimulation, replacing old beliefs (e.g., 'I am powerless') with adaptive ones (e.g., 'I am capable and safe now').
Body Scan
The client holds the memory and positive cognition while scanning the body for tension or discomfort. Any residual sensations are processed with BLS until the body feels calm and at ease.
Closure
Each session ends with grounding and stabilization techniques to ensure the client leaves feeling safe and centered. Clients may be encouraged to journal any insights or dreams that arise.
Reevaluation
At the start of each new session, the therapist reviews the client’s current state, evaluates progress, and identifies any remaining or new targets for reprocessing.
How EMDR Works
EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that trauma disrupts the brain’s ability to process information normally. Instead of being stored as a coherent memory, the traumatic experience remains ‘frozen’ with its original images, sensations, and emotions. Bilateral stimulation helps reconnect these fragments, allowing the memory to be reprocessed and integrated into the broader memory network—completing what was once an ‘unfinished’ stress response.
Benefits of EMDR
- Reduces emotional distress and physiological arousal linked to trauma
- Reframes negative beliefs about self and others
- Restores emotional regulation and sense of safety
- Enhances resilience and self-esteem
- Promotes adaptive coping and emotional healing
Conditions EMDR Can Help With
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and panic attacks Depression
- Grief and loss
- Phobias and fears
- Childhood and complex trauma
- Relationship and
- attachment wounds
- Pain and psychosomatic symptoms
In Summary
EMDR offers a gentle yet powerful pathway to healing. By combining neuroscience, mindfulness, and the body’s innate ability to self-heal, EMDR helps clients transform distressing memories into sources of strength and resilience. It is a journey of integration—helping the mind and body finally agree: the past is over, and I am safe now.