TTC EMDR Therapy Protocols 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The EMDR 'Three-Pronged Protocol' addresses which three time dimensions?
- Childhood, adolescence, and adulthood
- Past memories, present triggers, and future templates (Correct answer)
- Pre-trauma, peri-trauma, and post-trauma
- Assessment, processing, and integration
Correct answer: Past memories, present triggers, and future templates
EMDR's Three-Pronged Protocol targets past traumatic memories, current distressing triggers, and future-oriented templates for adaptive functioning.
Question 2: What is the recommended SUDS score that indicates successful completion of the Desensitization phase for a single target memory?
- 3 or below
- 2 or below
- 0 or 1 (Correct answer)
- 5 or below
Correct answer: 0 or 1
Desensitization is considered complete when the SUDS reaches 0 (or ecologically valid 1) for the target memory.
Question 3: In EMDR, the term 'ecological validity' refers to:
- Using nature-based imagery during BLS
- A residual SUDS of 1 that is appropriate given real-world circumstances (Correct answer)
- Adapting the protocol for cross-cultural populations
- Measuring treatment outcomes with standardized instruments
Correct answer: A residual SUDS of 1 that is appropriate given real-world circumstances
Ecological validity means a SUDS of 1 is acceptable when maintaining some concern about the trauma is realistically adaptive (e.g., ongoing danger).
Question 4: Which phase of EMDR involves teaching the client containment strategies and a Safe/Calm Place exercise?
- Phase 1: History-Taking
- Phase 2: Preparation (Correct answer)
- Phase 4: Desensitization
- Phase 8: Reevaluation
Correct answer: Phase 2: Preparation
Phase 2 (Preparation) focuses on building the therapeutic relationship, explaining EMDR, and teaching stabilization resources including the Safe/Calm Place exercise.
Question 5: The EMDR protocol for Recent Traumatic Events (RTE) differs from the Standard Protocol primarily in that it:
- Skips the History-Taking phase entirely
- Targets the trauma narrative sequentially rather than the worst moment only (Correct answer)
- Uses only auditory bilateral stimulation
- Requires a minimum of 20 sessions before processing begins
Correct answer: Targets the trauma narrative sequentially rather than the worst moment only
The Recent Traumatic Events Protocol processes the trauma narrative sequentially (from beginning to end) because the memory network is not yet consolidated.
Question 6: When using EMDR with children, which adaptation is most commonly recommended?
- Extending each BLS set to at least 60 repetitions
- Replacing the SUDS scale with a simpler feelings thermometer or visual scale (Correct answer)
- Avoiding the body scan phase entirely
- Using only eye movement (never tactile or auditory BLS)
Correct answer: Replacing the SUDS scale with a simpler feelings thermometer or visual scale
Children often benefit from developmentally adapted measures, such as a feelings thermometer or 0–10 visual scale, instead of the standard SUDS verbal rating.
Question 7: The 'Floatback Technique' in EMDR is used to:
- Induce a hypnotic trance state before BLS
- Identify early memory networks linked to a current presenting issue (Correct answer)
- Process future-template anxiety scenarios
- Close incomplete sessions using containment imagery
Correct answer: Identify early memory networks linked to a current presenting issue
The Floatback Technique uses the current NC, emotion, and body sensation as a bridge to float back and identify earlier memory networks that may be driving the problem.
TTC EMDR Therapy Protocols 3
The EMDR 'Three-Pronged Protocol' addresses which three time dimensions?