Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is unlike virtually any form of therapy you’ll encounter. Yes, it involves talking, exploring, and reframing, but it also takes things in some very unexpected directions. As we go through the eight phases below, you’ll get a much clearer view of what EMDR involves. For now, keep in mind that it involves eye, finger, and hand movements to work toward the goal of bilateral stimulation.

EMDR was originally developed in the 1980s specifically for treating trauma. Since then, its remarkable record of efficacy has led to EMDR becoming a treatment option for conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, addiction, grief, eating disorders, and more. In describing the phases of EMDR, you’ll see how all of this works.

The 8 Phases of EMDR

Phase 1

As with basically any method of treatment, EMDR requires your therapist to gather the kind of information needed to proceed. The most fundamental and familiar step is the taking of the client’s medical history. From there, if you’re about to begin EMDR therapy, you’ll need to explain some of what brought you to this point. For example, what events and symptoms have you experienced? Also, what is it about EMDR that inspired you to choose such a modality?

From there, things get very specific. You see, EMDR involves the selection of a particular negative image, memory, or belief as your focus. In addition, you’ll work with your therapist to select a positive image, memory, or belief to ultimately replace the negative focus once it’s been resolved. All of this happens in Phase 1.

Phase 2

When reading the introduction above, you probably had some questions. Phase 2 is where you get those questions answered and begin setting realistic expectations.

Phase 3

Of course, EMDR has a way of discerning progress. Scales called Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD) and Validity of Cognition (VOC) measure what the belief you chose means to you and how EMDR is reducing its influence. In Phase 3, SUD, VOC, and more are explained.

Phase 4

Here is where you start the desensitization process, and this is what it looks and feels like:

As you ease yourself into fully focusing on the memory chosen in Phase 1, your therapist begins the aforementioned hand and finger movements.
Without losing focus on your selected image, you follow the therapist’s movement using only your eyes.
The scales are applied to gauge what you’re feeling while pondering such a negative belief.
You’ll be eased into a conscious state in which you can access negative memories without being triggered. This allows you to safely process and resolve the image.
Once again, the scales measure your progress until you’ve reached 0 on SUD and 7 on VOC.

Phase 5

At the point of desensitization, the therapist continues their hand movements, but now, they guide you through the act of “replacing” the negative image with something positive and motivating. Once that belief is fully accepted, you’re ready to move to the next phase.

Phases 6 and 7

Since discomfort can linger, your therapist will help you do a full-body scan to make sure the negative sensations are gone. If necessary, more bilateral stimulation is performed. Your first EMDR is complete when you no longer feel negative sensations.

Phase 8

When you return for your next session, Phase 8 happens. You use the scales to take measurements and, based on the results, decide where to go from there. In some cases, you’ll do more work on the previous focus. Other times, you may jump forward to tackle a new focus.

To take this discussion to a deeper level, I invite you to reach out and set up a confidential consultation.

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What Are The 8 Phases of EMDR?