The 8 Phases of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was a chance discovery by EMDR founder and creator, Francine Shapiro, PhD in 1987 while she was walking in a park, she noticed her eye movements appeared to decrease negative emotion about an upsetting memory. She began testing and expanding her theory to what it is today. EMDR includes 8 Phases and is the most evidence supported treatment for PTSD. It has applications for other various symptoms such an anxiety, grief, and mood disorders.  

EMDR is a therapeutic approach that allows the whole person to reprocess disturbing experiences shifting them into adaptative outcomes. It is an information processing model of psychotherapy.

The 8 Phases of EMDR include: 1) History Taking & Treatment Planning, 2) Preparation including resourcing and stabilization, 3) Assessment & Targeting Events, 4) Desensitization when bilateral stimulation is applied, 5) Installation of Positive Cognition, 6) Body Scan to address any lingering disturbance, 7) Closure, and 8) Reevaluation.

Coriander Living Collective has two EMDR therapists, Cori Hildebrandt, MA, LPC WI, LPCC MN and Stephanie Larson, MSW, LCSW WI, LICSW MN. Please reach out for a consultation to learn if EMDR may be appropriate for you.