Phase 2 is about making sure that clients have the tools and ability to emotionally regulate themselves during and between sessions of EMDR processing.
When a disturbing event occurs, it can get locked in the brain with the original picture, sounds, thoughts, feelings and body sensations. EMDR procedures seem to stimulate the information and allow the brain to reprocess the experience. The eye movements (or tones, or tactile stimulation) help reprocess the memory and other associated experiences. It is your own brain that will be doing the healing and you are the one in control.
EMDR is activating and the preparation phase ensures that clients can cope with the material that comes up during processing. In all therapeutic modalities (including a visit to the doctor or dentist) sometimes things have to be unpleasant for a bit before things start feeling better. If a wound hasn’t been properly treated and has been infected for a while it will sting a bit as we clean it out together but we will have actually done what is needed for it to get to feeling better and heal properly.
This is why Phase 2 is so important before processing. We want to be able to make sure you have the skills and abilities that will allow you to cope with Reprocessing disturbing material.
In addition to continuing your education about EMDR Protocol, the mechanics of bilateral stimulation (BLS), and what to expect during the other phases of treatment the preparation stage is to help you:
Maintain Self-Awareness (see “What are you noticing now?”)
Maintain Dual Attention
Tolerate distress for a period of time without becoming overwhelmed or shutting down (see “Window of Tolerance“ and “Back of the Head Scale”)
Shift from one emotional state to another
Observe and reflect on experiences rather than become completely absorbed by them
Access positive associations/experiences
Practice self-soothing strategies in between sessions as needed
Some specific exercises that are helpful for coping are:
Learning to Contain unprocessed items
Keeping a TICES log
Using a Safe/Calm Place Visualization
Relaxation Exercises and other stress-reduction strategies
Life Management skills
When you and I feel you have had sufficient time to prepare for processing we will begin Phases 3 and 4 wherein we assess the target memory or experience you have chosen to work on and apply Bilateral Simulation to stimulate the reprocessing.
Comments