The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy
Courtesy of EMDR International Association: https://www.emdria.org
Gabriel Vega Counseling, PLLC utilizes EMDR Therapy’s 3-Pronged Approach to distinguish which trauma related material will be targeted via the 8 phases of EMDR therapy. Past events are targeted first for clients without complex developmental trauma. Following the processing of those past targets, the EMDR clinician then moves to targeting present triggers. Finally, the focus becomes on exploring the future and identifying what future template(s) are necessary for the client to experience successful potential outcomes. For those with complex developmental trauma, past events may be too overwhelming to target first, so present/recent triggers are addressed instead.
During initial sessions we will focus on building rapport and trust, establish diagnostic clarification, and work to expand the clients window of tolerance. At the client's pace, we will engage in history taking, case conceptualization, and treatment planning.
Note: The timing of addressing all three prongs via the 8 phases may vary based on client stability, readiness, and individual situations.
Note: Some clients without significant dissociative features have been able to find relief in about six to 12 reprocessing sessions (Phase 4: Desensitization aka: Processing), while others may take many years before engaging in any Phase 4 work.
Note: Some clients may only work within the first two phases of EMDR with no need to reach Phase 4 for relief from some symptoms.
