Switch from Desensitization model to Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model

The Mechanism: how or why EMDR therapy works

Standard Three-Pronged EMDR Therapy Protocol

(Phase 1): History Taking, Case Conceptualization &
Treatment Planning

1. Education about EMDR and its effects
2. Assess/develop therapeutic rapport.
3. Address client’s concerns
4. Explain the details of the EMDR therapy procedure for both in-person
and virtual delivery of EMDR therapy.
a) Seating arrangement
b) Bilateral Dual Attention Stimulation in the form of bilateral eye movements,
taps, or tones (e.g., different types, testing speed & distance)
c) Accurate observation and reporting
d) Setting expectations and utilization of the “Stop” signal
5. Client Safety and Stability:
a) How to assess and develop client’s stabilization skills both with in person
treatment and through telehealth platforms/develop client’s stabilization skills
b) Knowledge of commonly used procedures to enhance safety and self-control
for issues related to safety and stability.
c) Appropriate use of Safe Place, containment skills
6. Review client selection criteria and precautions

The function and importance of each component of the
assessment, and how to obtain them, (e.g., distinguish between appropriate
and inappropriate cognitions), and the rationale for the order of the assessment.
1. Selecting the Picture) Image(
2. Identifying the Negative Cognition (NC)
3. Developing a Positive Cognition (PC)
4. Rating the Validity of Cognition (VOC)
5. Naming the Emotion
6. Estimating the Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUDS)
7. Identifying Body Sensations

instruction on all aspects and expectations of what and how the processing
occurs and evolves.
- Explain channels of processing.
- Explain the application of all forms of Bilateral Dual Attention Stimulation,
provided in the form of bilateral eye movements, taps, or tones (offered) in
discrete intervals, and circumstances when alternatives to eye movement
may be necessary
- Note types of processing to expect (e.g., visual, emotional, sensations)
- Associative Processing
1- Imagery
New Memory ; Image Changes ; Incident Unfolds; Appearance Changes
2- Sounds and Thoughts
Negative Statements ; Mismatches ; Positive thoughts; Insights
3- Sensation and Affect
New Emotions; Shifting Sensations
- Emphasize the importance of therapist maintaining empathic connectedness
while allowing the client to process without unnecessary therapist intrusion.
- Emphasize the importance of following the client’s processing in determining
the length of Bilateral Dual Attention Stimulation sets.

Instruction of:
· the purpose of closure for both a single therapy session as well as closure to
the processing of a given EMDR therapy target.
· Rationale and methods to ensure client stability in the event of incomplete
processing of a specific target.

This phase includes:
Checking the therapist’s work of the previous session. It provides information
on the status of a fully processed.

Define and provide examples of Cognitive Interweave to maintain effective
processing.
And to work with Challenging Clients
-Foundation of the Interweave
-Responsibility, Safety, and Choices
-Fitting the Intervention to the Client
-Interweave Choices
1. New Information
2. “I’m Confused”
3. “What If It Were Your Child?”
4. Metaphor/Analogy
5. “Let’s Pretend”
6. Socratic Method
- Assimilation
- Verbalizations and Actions
- Education

Explain in details The Standard Three-Pronged EMDR Therapy Protocol