EMDR Therapy is an 8 Phase Process
There is a common misconception out there that EMDR Therapy is solely focusing on memories while moving your eyes or other forms of bilateral stimulation. However, that is just NOT the case!
EMDR Therapy is an 8 phase process, and the reprocessing of traumatic memories (phase 4 of EMDR) is only PART of the process.
Preparation
Phase 2 of EMDR Therapy, known as the preparation stage, is a crucial part of the EMDR Therapy process. During this phase, your EMDR Therapist will teach your resources, tools and techniques to help regulate your emotions and your nervous system.
Why is this important?
Well, trauma work can be really, really intense. Reprocessing of traumatic experiences can bring up intense emotions and sensations that can be very uncomfortable. The preparation stage of EMDR Therapy helps you increase your ability to tolerate that discomfort so that you can reprocess the traumatic experiences without retraumatizing your nervous system.
I go into this in more detail in my new book, The EMDR Therapy Progress Journal, which helps you understand the phases of EMDR, as well as give you concrete resources to practice.
Getting ready for Phase 4 of EMDR Therapy
It's not uncommon to feel very eager to jump into phase 4 of EMDR Therapy. But in order to do so, you have to demonstrate the ability to tolerate discomfort just enough to be able to reprocess memories.
If you really want to move the needle forward in your EMDR Treatment, then it's SO important to practice your resources outside of your therapy sessions!
The resourcing skills that you are taught in phase 2 of EMDR Therapy help to rewire your nervous system. And the best way to do that is through consistent repetition, time and patience.
So if you really want to start processing traumatic experiences, then practice, practice, practice! Your nervous system with thank you!
Want to learn more about EMDR Therapy? Purchase your copy of The EMDR Therapy Progress Journal today!
The EMDR Therapy Progress Journal is an interactive guide to support you through the life changing process of EMDR Therapy and overcome anxiety, depression, PTSD and other trauma-related stressors for good.
ABOUT DANA CARRETTA-STEIN
Dana Carretta-Stein is a licensed mental health counselor, EMDR Certified Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant. In her almost 10+ years of experience with EMDR Therapy, she became acutely aware of the challenges and pitfalls that many clients and therapists of EMDR Therapy commonly fell into.
To that end, she created The EMDR Therapy Progress Journal, as a way to support both clients and therapists through the EMDR therapy process. The EMDR Therapy Progress Journal is intended to minimize the risk of ineffective treatment, set realistic expectations for both clients and therapists, and help everyone achieve the amazing healing power of EMDR Therapy.
Dana is also the owner of Peaceful Living Mental Health Counseling, a trauma informed counseling practice in Scarsdale, NY, where she has put together a team of compassionate and skilled EMDR Therapists. Dana is passionate about the importance of trauma informed care and the effect it has on emotional, physical and mental well-being. She loves to learn about and educate others on compassionate, evidence-based, and effective counseling interventions to help individuals of all ages achieve fulfilling relationships and optimal wellness. In her spare time, Dana loves to spend time with her son, Philip, and husband, Eric.
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