Eight-Phase EMDR Protocol Flashcards

Which phase of EMDR would be most focused on if a therapist were treating a client with significant ego-state fragmentation or dissociative identity disorder?

Answer: Phase 2, with extended preparation, stabilization, and parts work before any trauma processing

Clients with significant dissociation require extended Phase 2 work—stabilization, psychoeducation, and ego-state communication—before active trauma processing is safe.

The 'trauma touchstone' used at the beginning of each BLS set in Phase 4 refers to:

Answer: Briefly accessing the target image, negative cognition, and body sensation to activate the memory network before each set

At the start of each set, the therapist briefly directs the client back to the original image, NC, and body sensation to keep the memory network activated for processing.

In the context of EMDR, what is a 'feeder memory'?

Answer: An early childhood memory that contributed to the formation of a current negative cognition or maladaptive belief

Feeder memories are earlier experiences that 'feed' the negative belief driving the current target; processing them often unlocks stalled processing.

According to EMDRIA guidelines, what is the minimum acceptable VoC score at the end of successful EMDR Phase 5 (Installation)?

Answer: 7

A VoC of 7 (completely true) is the target for successful installation, though ecological checks may allow a slightly lower score if fully justified.

A therapist using EMDR with a combat veteran notices that processing a helicopter crash memory continuously loops back to a childhood abuse incident. This best illustrates:

Answer: A shared memory network where earlier trauma underlies the current target

Memory networks are associatively linked; current trauma often connects to earlier experiences that share the same negative cognition or affect.

What distinguishes the 'Recent Traumatic Event' (RTE) protocol from the standard EMDR protocol?

Answer: RTE is designed for events within the past three months and includes a narrative component and systematic processing of flashforward fears

The RTE protocol adapts standard EMDR for acute or recent trauma by incorporating narrative review, fragmented memory processing, and targeting anticipated future fears.

The primary function of Phase 1 (History-Taking and Treatment Planning) in the eight-phase model is to:

Answer: Gather clinical history, assess readiness, identify trauma targets, and build a treatment plan prioritizing the memory network

Phase 1 lays the clinical foundation by comprehensively understanding the client's history, identifying targets, assessing for contraindications, and creating a sequenced treatment plan.