EMDR Target Sequence & Memory Reprocessing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In EMDR, what does the term 'touchstone memory' refer to?
- The most recent traumatic event in a cluster
- The earliest or most representative memory that underlies a maladaptive belief (Correct answer)
- A positive memory used during installation
- A memory chosen by the therapist rather than the client
Correct answer: The earliest or most representative memory that underlies a maladaptive belief
A touchstone memory is the earliest or most representative memory linked to a maladaptive belief, often targeted first in a memory cluster.
Question 2: When using the Floatback Technique in EMDR, the therapist asks the client to:
- Imagine floating above the traumatic scene
- Focus on the body sensation and negative cognition and let the mind drift back to an earlier memory (Correct answer)
- Float between bilateral stimulation sets without stopping
- Visualize a safe place before each target
Correct answer: Focus on the body sensation and negative cognition and let the mind drift back to an earlier memory
The Floatback Technique guides the client to hold the current disturbance and negative cognition while allowing the mind to drift back to earlier related memories.
Question 3: Which factor most commonly determines the ORDER in which targets are processed in a complex trauma case?
- Alphabetical order of the memory themes
- Chronological order from newest to oldest
- Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD) from lowest to highest
- Clinician judgment guided by case conceptualization and client readiness (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Clinician judgment guided by case conceptualization and client readiness
Target order in complex trauma is guided by clinician judgment and thorough case conceptualization, balancing stabilization needs and thematic memory clusters.
Question 4: After a successful EMDR reprocessing session, a client's SUD drops to 0. The NEXT appropriate step is:
- End the session immediately
- Begin installation of the positive cognition (Correct answer)
- Return to history-taking
- Administer a new SUD baseline for a different target
Correct answer: Begin installation of the positive cognition
When SUD reaches 0 and the channel appears clear, the therapist moves to Phase 5 (Installation) to strengthen the positive cognition (PC).
Question 5: What is the significance of 'feeder memories' in EMDR target sequencing?
- They are positive memories that feed into the safe place
- They are earlier memories that feed the charge into a current target, blocking full reprocessing (Correct answer)
- They are memories introduced by the therapist to stimulate processing
- They represent the client's preferred targets for bilateral stimulation
Correct answer: They are earlier memories that feed the charge into a current target, blocking full reprocessing
Feeder memories are earlier associated memories that maintain the disturbance in a current target; identifying them allows the therapist to address the true root.
Question 6: During EMDR reprocessing, a client shifts from intense distress to unexpected laughter and relief. The therapist should:
- Stop BLS immediately as laughter indicates dissociation
- Continue BLS and note the shift as a positive indicator of processing (Correct answer)
- Introduce a calming resource to stabilize the affect shift
- Return the client to the original image and negative cognition
Correct answer: Continue BLS and note the shift as a positive indicator of processing
Spontaneous laughter or relief during reprocessing is typically a sign of adaptive resolution; the therapist continues BLS and tracks the shift.
Question 7: In EMDR's Three-Pronged Protocol, after processing past memories and present triggers, the third prong involves:
- Installing a body scan for all past targets
- Addressing anticipated future situations using a positive template (Correct answer)
- Conducting closure and debriefing the entire treatment course
- Identifying new negative cognitions about the future
Correct answer: Addressing anticipated future situations using a positive template
The third prong targets future situations, using a positive template to help the client adaptively navigate anticipated challenges related to the presenting problem.
EMDR Target Sequence & Memory Reprocessing 2
In EMDR, what does the term 'touchstone memory' refer to?