EMDR Consultation Topics: Areas We Address

Comprehensive Support Across All Aspects of EMDR Practice

Topics commonly addressed in EMDR consultation are listed below. Consultation is responsive to your actual clinical questions and cases — addressing what's relevant to your current work, whether you're implementing EMDR for the first time, working toward certification, or refining advanced skills.

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Phase-by-Phase Protocol Mastery

The 8 Phases of EMDR

Consultation helps you develop fluency with the EMDR protocol, understanding not just what to do in each phase, but why and when.

Phase 1: Client History & Treatment Planning

• Learning various ways to take trauma-oriented client histories
• Identifying appropriate EMDR targets
• Developing comprehensive treatment plans using the 3-Prong Approach
• Case conceptualization for complex presentations
• Recognizing how different traumas connect to certain symptoms and/or issues
• Determining readiness for EMDR processing
• Learning strategies to assess a client's window of tolerance, affect regulation, and resources in Phase 1

Phase 2: Preparation

• Establishing therapeutic rapport and safety
• Teaching clients about EMDR and the AIP model
• Developing effective resourcing strategies
• Utilizing bilateral stimulation to strengthen resources
• Helping clients strengthen adaptive material and perspectives
• Calm Place development
• Disturbance Container technique
• Advanced resourcing strategies (DNMS, Dyadic Resourcing, Imaginal Nurturing)
• Developing visualization capacity: Helping clients strengthen their ability to harness mental imagery for target identification, resource development, and cognitive interweaves
• Assessing client stability and window of tolerance
• Preparing clients for trauma processing

Phase 3: Assessment (Target Setup)

• Setting up clear, effective targets
• Identifying appropriate images
• Selecting resonant negative and positive cognitions
• Understanding the three areas of distortion (Responsibility, Safety, Choice)
• Common difficulties in target setup and how to address them

Techniques for Target Identification

• The Floatback technique — An effective method for finding feeder memories
• Somatic bridge — Following body sensations to earlier experiences
• Affect bridge — Following emotions back to source experiences
• Dream analysis — Using dreams and nightmares to identify targets
• Umbrella Technique (Dr. Philip Manfield) — For processing numerous similar "small t" incidents under one overarching target:
  • When to use the Umbrella Technique vs. processing individual incidents
  • How to identify the umbrella theme that encompasses multiple similar experiences
  • Setting up effective umbrella targets for efficient processing
  • Managing processing when clients have extensive repetitive trauma

Phase 4: Desensitization

• Knowing when to "stay out of the way" vs. when to intervene
• Understanding the difference between desensitization (EMD) and reprocessing (EMDR) and when to use each approach
• Recognizing when processing is progressing effectively
• Handling forward associations and looping
• Identifying and addressing blocks to processing
• Working within the window of tolerance
• Co-regulating with clients to help them stay within their window of tolerance during processing
• Learning how to activate resources during processing when clients go outside their window of tolerance or can't access an adaptive perspective
• Knowing when to go back to target
• Cognitive interweaves — when and how to use them effectively
• Cadence comments — what they are, why they are valuable, and how to use them effectively
• Understanding the important connection between cadence comments, cognitive interweaves, positive cognition, resourcing, and adaptive perspective
• Managing incomplete sessions
• Working with cognitions, reprocessing, and channels of association
• Knowing how to assess if processing is complete

Bilateral Stimulation: Understanding the Mechanics

• Differences between eye movements, taps, and tones — when to use each modality
• Using BLS speed, angle, and set length strategically to influence processing
• Understanding what bilateral stimulation actually does (various theories)
• Working with clients who talk during bilateral stimulation
• Working with clients who struggle to "just notice" without analyzing
• Determining when to go back to target vs. continue processing
• How often to check SUDS during processing
• Adjusting BLS based on client response and processing stage

Supporting Client Experience During Processing

• Managing clients who talk excessively between BLS sets
• Recognizing signs of productive processing vs. dissociation or avoidance
• Helping clients stay in processing flow rather than getting pulled into storytelling
• Working with clients who report "nothing happened" after bilateral stimulation sets
• Pacing bilateral stimulation sets appropriately for each client

Phase 5: Installation

• Ensuring positive cognition resonates and feels true
• Strengthening adaptive beliefs
• Addressing difficulties reaching VOC of 7
• When to be flexible with PC selection

Phase 6: Body Scan

• Conducting thorough body scans
• Addressing residual body tension or discomfort
• Understanding what a "clear" body scan means
• When body sensations indicate incomplete processing

Phase 7: Closure

• Closing incomplete sessions safely and effectively
• Using container, calm place, and other closure techniques
• Preparing clients for between-session processing
• Managing client expectations about homework and journaling

Phase 8: Reevaluation

• Assessing changes since last session
• Determining next targets in treatment sequence
• Checking whether processed targets resolved the presenting issue
• Tracking progress toward treatment goals
• Adjusting treatment plans based on client response

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Working Experientially vs. Intellectually

A common challenge in EMDR is helping clients access experience rather than staying in intellectual description:

• Recognizing when clients are processing intellectually vs. experientially
• Understanding why intellectual processing prevents deep healing
• Helping clients access somatic experience of target material rather than just describing it
• Shifting from intellectual description to felt experience during sessions
• Building experiential engagement during target development (Phase 3)
• The difference between talking about trauma vs. accessing the traumatic experience
• Working somatically to deepen processing

When clients stay in intellectual processing, they describe their trauma from a detached, analytical perspective rather than accessing the felt experience. This prevents the deep processing needed for true healing. Consultation helps you recognize this pattern and develop skills to guide clients into experiential work.

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Working with Challenging Presentations

Blocks to Processing

• Recognizing when processing is blocked
• Identifying the source of blocks (protective parts, blocking beliefs, feeder memories, incomplete targets, dissociation)
• Strategies for unblocking processing
• LOUA (Level of Urge to Avoid) — Jim Knipe's method for targeting avoidance defenses
• When to slow down vs. when to push forward

Dissociation

• Understanding the dissociation spectrum
• Recognizing dissociation during processing
• Keeping clients within their window of tolerance
• Working with dissociative parts
• CIPOS (Constant Installation of Present Orientation and Safety) — Jim Knipe's method for safely working with clients at risk for dissociation
• BHS (Back of the Head Scale) — Jim Knipe's method for assessing dissociation level during processing
• Assessing when EMDR is appropriate vs. contraindicated

Using the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES)

• Understanding the DES and what it measures
• Most effective ways to administer the DES
• Which DES questions are most clinically significant
• How different DES questions correlate with different types of dissociation
• Interpreting DES results for treatment planning

Complex PTSD & Developmental Trauma

• How complex trauma differs from single-incident trauma
• Case conceptualization for complex presentations
• Target sequencing with extensive trauma histories
• Working systematically through layered trauma
• Managing expectations (yours and client's) about timeline
• Pacing work appropriately
• Identifying "representative moments" — core developmental experiences where patterns originated

Attachment Trauma

• Working with what didn't happen vs. what did happen
• Addressing attachment wounds in the therapeutic relationship
• Developing relational resources for clients with attachment deficits

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Parts Work & EMDR Integration

Fraser's Dissociative Table Technique

Fraser's Dissociative Table Technique provides a structured approach for getting to know parts of self that are connected to specific therapy issues. This technique facilitates internal dialogue between different aspects of the self, helping clients understand their internal dynamics more clearly.

The Table Technique is particularly useful for:

• Getting to know parts connected to presenting problems, symptoms, or treatment goals
• Understanding how different parts relate to specific therapy issues
• Facilitating communication and negotiation between parts
• Building internal cooperation and integration
• Addressing blocks to EMDR processing that stem from parts conflicts
• Working with protective parts that may be interfering with treatment

While particularly valuable in complex trauma work, this technique has broader applications for any client experiencing internal conflict, ambivalence, or parts-based dynamics.

In consultation, we explore how to effectively introduce and utilize the Table Technique, integrate it with standard EMDR protocols, and adapt it for various clinical presentations.

Integrating Other Parts-Based Approaches

Parts-based approaches (IFS, ego state therapy, Fraser's Dissociative Table Technique) can be powerfully integrated with EMDR:

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) — Working with parts, Self-energy, unburdening
• Ego State Therapy — Recognizing and working with ego states during EMDR
• DNMS (Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy) — Attachment-focused resourcing
• Gestalt approaches — Two-chair work, dialogue between parts

Key Skills

• Recognizing when protective parts are blocking processing
• Working with parts rather than trying to override them
• Helping parts understand that processing increases safety
• Integrating parts work seamlessly into the EMDR framework
• Using EMDR to help parts communicate and heal

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Advanced Applications & Specialized Protocols

Flash Technique Integration

For clinicians who have received the Flash Technique training, consultation supports effective integration:

Clinical Applications:

• When to use Flash vs. standard EMDR
• Using Flash to reduce distress before processing
• Working with highly disturbing memories
• Preparing multiple traumatic memories efficiently
• Integrating Flash into comprehensive treatment plans

Troubleshooting:

• What to do when Flash doesn't reduce distress as expected
• Transitioning from Flash to standard EMDR processing
• Using Flash with clients who have high avoidance

Learn more about the Flash Technique →

Float Forward Technique & Future Template

Working with anticipatory anxiety and future-oriented concerns:

• When and how to use the Future Template
• Float Forward Technique for anticipatory anxiety or future fear
• How Float Forward works and what it's used for
• Integrating future work into comprehensive treatment planning
• Preparing clients for upcoming challenging situations
• Building confidence for future scenarios using EMDR
• Combining Future Template with completed trauma processing

Specialized EMDR Protocols

• Phobia Protocol
• Panic Protocol
• Recent Events Protocol
• Chronic Pain Protocol
• Feeling State Addiction Protocol
• DeTur Protocol
• Early Trauma Protocol
• Performance Enhancement applications

Clinical Applications

Using EMDR for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief (including clearing obstacles that prevent clients from accessing and processing their grief), attachment trauma, panic and phobias, addictions, performance issues, Adult ADHD-related issues, working with anger in EMDR processing, and other clinical presentations. Consultation also addresses adapting EMDR for neurodivergent populations, including clients with autism, ADHD, aphantasia, and alexithymia.

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Telehealth EMDR Adaptations

Effective bilateral stimulation options for telehealth sessions:

• Using eye movements via telehealth effectively
• Adapting tapping and audio bilateral stimulation for remote delivery
• Important considerations for remote EMDR delivery
• Adapting resourcing and safety protocols for virtual sessions
• Managing technical challenges during processing
• Ensuring client safety and containment in remote sessions
• Screen positioning and camera setup for optimal eye movement delivery

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Practical Session Management

Managing time constraints and session logistics:

• What to do when running out of session time with high SUDS
• Closing incomplete sessions safely and effectively
• How to restart next session when target is unresolved
• Working with clients who use extensive check-in time
• Helping clients manage between-session disturbance
• Client education about specific aspects of EMDR to keep process on track
• Informed consent considerations for EMDR
• When and how to check SUDS during processing
• Pacing work appropriately within session constraints
• Reevaluation strategies at the beginning of sessions

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Clinical Judgment & Decision-Making

• Knowing when to use EMDR vs. when other interventions are more appropriate
• Determining client appropriateness for EMDR
• Managing safety concerns and ongoing trauma
• Working with clients who have co-occurring conditions
• Adapting EMDR for different populations
• Cultural considerations in EMDR practice
• Ethical considerations in EMDR practice
• Documentation and treatment planning

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Therapist Self-Care & Vicarious Trauma

Supporting your wellbeing as a trauma therapist:

• Managing vicarious trauma when doing extensive trauma work
• Strategies for staying regulated when client material is triggering
• Recognizing and addressing therapist overwhelm
• Sustainable practices for long-term trauma work
• Setting appropriate boundaries with trauma clients
• Processing your own reactions to client material
• Maintaining therapeutic presence while managing countertransference
• Building resilience for ongoing trauma-focused work

Consultation provides a supportive space to discuss these challenges and develop sustainable self-care practices.

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Professional Development

• Building confidence as an EMDR clinician
• Developing your own EMDR style
• Integrating EMDR with your existing therapeutic approach
• Understanding your strengths and growth edges
• Continuing education and advanced training opportunities
• Working toward EMDRIA Certification

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Ready to Explore EMDR Consultation?

Whether you're just beginning with EMDR or developing advanced skills, consultation provides the support you need to use EMDR effectively and confidently with your clients.

Explore your consultation options:

• Group EMDR Consultation — Affordable collaborative learning
• Individual EMDR Consultation — Personalized one-on-one support
• EMDR Certification Consultation — Structured path to EMDRIA Certification
• Main Consultation Overview — Compare all consultation options

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