Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy that treats trauma and adverse life experiences. It is an integrative, eight-phase protocol that addresses past etiological contributors, present triggers, and required thoughts and actions for [Page 1411]the future. The eight phases of EMDR therapy are the following:

• 1.
  Client history and treatment planning: The therapist begins to establish a therapeutic alliance while obtaining the client’s history. A treatment plan to target specific distressing memories or events for reprocessing is developed in collaboration with the client. The client’s ability to tolerate emotion and whether the client is dissociative are assessed.
• 2.
  Client preparation: The therapist educates the person about EMDR therapy. The therapist practices a safe-place exercise with the client and ensures that the client has enough resources ...