EMDR Therapy in Omaha, NE

During this initial phase, the client and the therapist discuss the client’s history and the goals of EMDR. They also work together to identify specific traumatic memories to target during future phases.

In the second phase of EMDR therapy, the client will learn techniques for self-control and stress reduction. This can help them manage their emotions between sessions, until the traumatic memory has been effectively addressed.

This is when the client and the therapist will agree on which traumatic memory to focus on. The client will describe the negative feelings they experience when they recall this memory. This phase is sometimes referred to as the assessment phase, because the therapist will establish a baseline for the intensity of the client’s response to the traumatic memory. During this phase, the client will also choose a positive belief to replace their negative reaction.

This phase introduces the rapid eye movements or other bilateral stimulation. The client will focus on the target memory and follow the therapist’s guidance to rapidly move their eyes from side to side. This may be repeated multiple times, with breaks to allow the client to pause, let their mind go blank, and then re-focus their attention.

This is sometimes called the installation phase. During Phase 5, the therapist will encourage the client to apply the positive belief from Phase 3 when recalling the traumatic memory. Eye movements and/or bilateral stimulation will continue during this phase.

At this time, the client will “scan” their body to identify remaining physical stress or tension related to the traumatic memory. If they identify any continuing negative physical responses, they may engage in additional therapeutic activities to alleviate this distress.

To bring closure to the session, the therapist will remind the client of the self-control and stress-management techniques they discussed during Phase 2. This is especially important in cases where the distress the client experiences while recalling the traumatic memory has not been fully resolved by the end of the EMDR therapy session.

This phase occurs at the beginning of the next session. This is a time for the client and therapist to review the client’s progress to date and identify additional sources of emotional distress that may need to be addressed during the new session or at a later date.