EMDR Special Populations & Adaptations Flashcards

When using EMDR with older adults, therapists should consider which age-related factor that may affect treatment?

Answer: Sensory limitations (vision, hearing) may require bilateral stimulation method adjustments

Sensory limitations common in older adults, such as reduced vision or hearing, may necessitate switching from eye movements to tactile or auditory bilateral stimulation.

How should EMDR therapists approach treatment with clients who have chronic pain conditions?

Answer: Trauma memories linked to pain onset or injury can be targeted, and the body scan phase may reveal pain-trauma connections

EMDR can target trauma memories related to pain onset, accidents, or medical events, and the body scan phase is particularly useful for identifying how pain and trauma intersect somatically.

What is the recommended adaptation for EMDR when working with clients who have significant substance use histories?

Answer: Establish stable sobriety and develop robust coping resources before beginning trauma reprocessing

Stable sobriety and adequate coping resources are needed before trauma reprocessing, as premature processing can trigger relapse by overwhelming clients who lack sober coping strategies.

When providing EMDR via telehealth, which adaptation is most critical for maintaining treatment fidelity?

Answer: Using therapist-directed tapping instructions or bilateral audio tracks as alternatives to eye movements

Telehealth EMDR adaptations include teaching self-tapping or using bilateral audio resources, with research supporting these as effective alternatives to in-person eye movement sets.

For EMDR with clients who have experienced sexual assault, which therapeutic consideration is especially important during Phase 2?

Answer: Establishing a strong sense of control, safety, and consent within the therapeutic relationship

Sexual assault survivors require special attention to establishing safety, control, and a consent-based therapeutic relationship in the preparation phase before any trauma processing occurs.

How is EMDR adapted for use with clients who have borderline personality disorder (BPD)?

Answer: An extended preparation phase with substantial emotion regulation skill-building is prioritized before trauma processing

Clients with BPD require an extended preparation phase focused on emotion regulation skills and stabilization resources before trauma reprocessing to manage intense affect and prevent destabilization.