EMDR Eight-Phase EMDR Protocol 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model's explanation for PTSD symptoms?
- Trauma memories are stored in long-term memory but encoded incorrectly
- Traumatic experiences are stored in an unprocessed, state-specific form that drives current dysfunction (Correct answer)
- PTSD results from a chemical imbalance rather than memory storage issues
- Trauma activates the parasympathetic nervous system exclusively
Correct answer: Traumatic experiences are stored in an unprocessed, state-specific form that drives current dysfunction
AIP theory posits that trauma memories become 'frozen' in their original disturbing form with their associated emotions and beliefs, causing ongoing symptoms.
Question 2: In Phase 4 (Desensitization), what does the therapist typically say at the start of each BLS set?
- 'What negative thought comes to mind?'
- 'Go with that' or 'Notice that' (Correct answer)
- 'Rate your distress from 0 to 10'
- 'What positive belief would you prefer?'
Correct answer: 'Go with that' or 'Notice that'
The brief instruction 'Go with that' or 'Notice that' encourages the client to stay with whatever arises during BLS without analysis or judgment.
Question 3: A cognitive interweave is most appropriately used when:
- A client achieves a VoC of 7 ahead of schedule
- Processing is looping or blocked and the therapist introduces a strategic question or statement to jumpstart it (Correct answer)
- The client requests to end a session early
- The SUD drops below 3 for the first time
Correct answer: Processing is looping or blocked and the therapist introduces a strategic question or statement to jumpstart it
Cognitive interweaves are therapist-initiated interventions—questions, statements, or information—used to restart stalled processing.
Question 4: Which statement accurately describes the difference between EMD (Eye Movement Desensitization) and the full EMDR protocol?
- EMD uses only eye movements, while EMDR uses all forms of BLS
- EMD targets a single incident and returns to the same touchstone memory repeatedly; EMDR allows free processing associations (Correct answer)
- EMD skips Phase 3; EMDR requires all eight phases
- EMD is used only for complex PTSD; EMDR is for single-incident trauma
Correct answer: EMD targets a single incident and returns to the same touchstone memory repeatedly; EMDR allows free processing associations
EMD is a more contained protocol that repeatedly returns to the index event, limiting associative channels, while standard EMDR follows free associations across the memory network.
Question 5: Phase 7 (Closure) is essential at the end of every EMDR session because:
- It confirms the SUD has reached zero before the client leaves
- It ensures the client returns to a state of equilibrium regardless of whether processing is complete (Correct answer)
- It establishes the next session's target memory
- It finalizes the VoC rating for the current memory network
Correct answer: It ensures the client returns to a state of equilibrium regardless of whether processing is complete
Closure stabilizes the client at the end of each session so they leave in a manageable emotional state, even if processing is incomplete.
Question 6: During Phase 8 (Re-evaluation), the therapist's first task at the start of a new session is to:
- Install the positive cognition from last session
- Check the SUD and VoC to assess whether previously processed memories have remained resolved (Correct answer)
- Identify a new target memory from the client's history
- Repeat the body scan for any unresolved trauma
Correct answer: Check the SUD and VoC to assess whether previously processed memories have remained resolved
Re-evaluation determines whether therapeutic gains from prior sessions have held and whether additional processing is needed before moving to new targets.
Question 7: In the three-pronged approach used in EMDR treatment planning, which elements are targeted?
- Cognitions, emotions, and somatic sensations
- Past disturbing memories, present triggers, and future templates for adaptive behavior (Correct answer)
- Trauma history, family of origin, and current relationships
- Phase 1, Phase 4, and Phase 5 targets exclusively
Correct answer: Past disturbing memories, present triggers, and future templates for adaptive behavior
EMDR's three-pronged protocol targets past memories that laid the groundwork, current triggers that activate distress, and future templates for healthy adaptive responding.
EMDR Eight-Phase EMDR Protocol 3
What is the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model's explanation for PTSD symptoms?