Clarifying Expectations About EMDR Therapy
Managing expectations about EMDR Therapy can be tricky at times. The transformative stories surrounding EMDR often set the stage for unrealistic expectations from clients and referrers, portraying it as a quick fix or a magical solution. This misconception can lead to undue pressure, both on clients hoping for immediate relief and EMDR therapists feeling compelled to rush the process.
An 8-Phase Model
It's helpful to communicate to clients and referrers that EMDR Therapy is an 8-phase model, far broader than simply ‘finger waving’. Phase 1 starts right from the initial session, even before bilateral stimulation has been introduced. This phase involves getting to know each other, identifying goals for therapy, developing a shared case formulation, and discerning which memories to reprocess in EMDR Therapy. All of this sets a strong foundation for the trauma processing work that will follow.
It's important not to dive in and start reprocessing trauma haphazardly without a clear treatment plan. Intentional target selection, adequate preparation, and pacing the treatment enhance the safety and focus of EMDR Therapy, ultimately leading to improved clinical outcomes aligned with the client's therapeutic goals. To ensure that EMDR is safe and manageable, clients need to be adequately skilled and prepared to manage the emotional distress that may arise during trauma memory reprocessing. Additionally, building a safe, secure therapy relationship is key, and this can take time.
Phase 2 (preparation and resourcing) can vary for each client. It may be brief for some people (1-2 sessions), but some clients require extended preparation to safely and effectively deal directly with their disturbing memories. The eight phases in EMDR Therapy are not linear. When treating more complex client presentations, it may be necessary to return to Phase 2 at various points if the client becomes overwhelmed by trauma desensitization work, if their life circumstances become unstable, or if they require additional emotional regulation skills.
By communicating the structured nature of the 8-phase model, we can help clients and referrers understand that EMDR Therapy involves a comprehensive and methodical approach to trauma treatment, ensuring that the process is both effective and safe.
Clarifying the Client's Role
Another area where it’s important to clarify expectations is when explaining the client’s role during bilateral stimulation. Clients often worry that they need to ‘hold’ the memory whilst following the therapist's fingers or that they need to consciously ‘do’ something specific. In reality, EMDR involves a process of mindful observation and free association. Clients are encouraged to simply notice whatever arises, letting it come and go without judgment.
Clarifying this can go a long way in reducing the likelihood of a client becoming confused, impatient, or experiencing performance anxiety during the process. Emphasising that they are not expected to control or direct their thoughts allows them to engage more fully with the therapeutic process.
Building Realistic Expectations
It’s important to set realistic expectations from the outset. EMDR Therapy is highly effective, but it’s not a one-session miracle cure. Each client’s journey is unique, and the duration and intensity of therapy will vary. By providing a clear and accurate picture of what EMDR Therapy involves, therapists can help clients approach their therapy with a healthy mindset, ready to engage in the process and achieve lasting healing.
I'm Caroline Burrows, an Accredited EMDR Trainer and Consultant. I’m passionate about bridging the gap between EMDR training and clinical practice. If you're looking to learn EMDR Therapy for the first time, enhance your EMDR skills, or navigate challenges in your EMDR clinical work, I offer training workshops, on-demand webinars, and consultation. I would love to support your EMDR learning journey.
