Offering EMDR Trauma Therapy at the Phoenix Center in Media, PA or Online!
484-440-9416 | [email protected]

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful approach primarily used to treat trauma and its associated symptoms. It was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and has gained recognition for its effectiveness in helping individuals process and heal from traumatic memories. The structured nature of EMDR therapy is encapsulated in its 8 Phases and 3 Prongs, which together form a comprehensive approach to trauma healing. Understanding these phases and prongs will help you as you begin your EMDR journey!

The 8 Phases of EMDR

  1. History Taking and Treatment Planning: The therapist gathers information about the client’s history and identifies target memories for processing. This phase also includes assessing the client’s readiness for EMDR.
  2. Preparation: The therapist explains the EMDR process, establishes trust, and ensures the client has the necessary coping strategies to manage distress during the therapy. This phase involves EMDR Resourcing and development of a safe place or other coping skills to manage difficult emotions.
  3. Assessment: This phase involves identifying specific aspects of the traumatic memory, including the visual image, negative beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations associated with it.
  4. Desensitization: The core of EMDR, this phase uses bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements) to help the client reprocess the traumatic memory, reducing its emotional charge.
  5. Installation: Positive beliefs are strengthened in this phase, replacing the negative beliefs originally associated with the traumatic memory.
  6. Body Scan: The therapist guides the client to focus on any residual physical tension related to the trauma, helping to release it.
  7. Closure: The therapist ensures that the client leaves the session feeling stable and provides strategies for self-care between sessions.
  8. Reevaluation: In subsequent sessions, the therapist assesses the client’s progress and determines if further processing is needed.

The 3 Pronged Approach of EMDR

The 3 Prongs of EMDR address trauma from all angles, ensuring a holistic healing process:

  1. Past: Focuses on processing past traumatic events that have contributed to current distress.
  2. Present: Addresses current situations that trigger distressing responses linked to past trauma.
  3. Future: Prepares the client to handle future challenges, fostering resilience and adaptive coping mechanisms.

EMDR’s structured approach, through its 8 Phases and 3 Prongs, offers a comprehensive path to healing for trauma survivors. By addressing the past, present, and future, EMDR not only helps in desensitizing traumatic memories but also empowers individuals to live more adaptive and fulfilling lives.

Offering EMDR Trauma Therapy at the Phoenix Center in Media, PA or Online!
484-440-9416 | [email protected]