Transforming Trauma with EMDR - Artimova Counseling & Consulting, LLC

I recently completed level 1 and level 2 training for Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) at Omega Institute. The training was lead by Dr. Laurel Parnell who has perfected the way to use EMDR with individuals that have experienced trauma. EMDR works with your left and right side of the brain by using bilateral stimulation (BLS) or tapping to regulate the nervous system. Memories or issues can be reprocessed to the point that the individual does not experience any level of disturbance anymore.

There are eight phases within EMDR, which provides tremendous structure in the way the technique is used during treatment.

8 Phases include:

Client History: Gathering background history with the client to get a good sense of their childhood, symptoms, presenting problem and goals for treatment.
Preparation: This includes describing EMDR, answering any questions client may have regarding process, developing metaphor to create distance and client safety by using resourcing to establish peaceful place, nurturing, protector, and wise figures.
Assessment: Client describing “picture” that represents worst part of incident, establishing negative cognition, feelings/emotions, and body sensations associated to incident.
Desensitization: At this time, bilateral stimulation (BLS) or tapping will be used to process “picture”, emotions, body sensation and negative cognition that are linked to present or past incident. BLS will be used until client fully processes incident and describes 0 disturbance of picture.
Installation: Once BLS is completed. Client will install positive cognition of themselves and will use BLS to strengthen positive belief about self.
Body Scan: Client will be asked to scan their body as they repeat positive cognition and clear any areas of disturbance.
Closure: Clinician will describe to client that processing may continue after session and that client may experience new insights, thoughts, memories, and dreams. Client may use coping skills such as journaling or resources before their next session.
Re-evaluation: In next session, client will be asked what they experienced after their EMDR session, clinician will log insights they report and see if client may need to process anything else that feels like a disturbance to client.

EMDR can be used ongoing for individuals depending on their severity of symptoms and/or past trauma. This level of reprocessing allows individuals to feel relief and no longer cycle in past thoughts that have made them feel stuck for years. It allows the individual to view the incident or problem in an objective manner. Many individuals are able to function in healthier ways, experience less disturbance within their relationships and navigate life without the victim mentality.

“Changing the memories that form the way we see ourselves also changes the way we view others. Therefore, our relationships, job performance, what we are willing to do or are able to resist, all move in a positive direction.”- Francine Shapiro

8 Phases include:

Client History: Gathering background history with the client to get a good sense of their childhood, symptoms, presenting problem and goals for treatment.

Preparation: This includes describing EMDR, answering any questions client may have regarding process, developing metaphor to create distance and client safety by using resourcing to establish peaceful place, nurturing, protector, and wise figures.

Assessment: Client describing “picture” that represents worst part of incident, establishing negative cognition, feelings/emotions, and body sensations associated to incident.

Desensitization: At this time, bilateral stimulation (BLS) or tapping will be used to process “picture”, emotions, body sensation and negative cognition that are linked to present or past incident. BLS will be used until client fully processes incident and describes 0 disturbance of picture.

Installation: Once BLS is completed. Client will install positive cognition of themselves and will use BLS to strengthen positive belief about self.

Body Scan: Client will be asked to scan their body as they repeat positive cognition and clear any areas of disturbance.

Closure: Clinician will describe to client that processing may continue after session and that client may experience new insights, thoughts, memories, and dreams. Client may use coping skills such as journaling or resources before their next session.

Re-evaluation: In next session, client will be asked what they experienced after their EMDR session, clinician will log insights they report and see if client may need to process anything else that feels like a disturbance to client.