Trauma Management and EMDR By Keith Torkelson MS, BS

 

Contents (Primary content only with no quantitative assessments)

• Requirements
• Activity – Create a 10 Slide PowerPoint on EMDR
• Search Google Chrome for [“10 Slide EMDR PowerPoint”]
• Briefly what is EMDR?
• EMDR Assessment
• EMDR Consulting (PDFs)
• Intake Questionnaire
• What does EMDR therapy do?
• Their Approach – Method A – Phase & Focused Approach
• Our Approach – Method B – Lived Experience Approach
• EMDR versus CBT

“I Need a Kepler!”

Activity – Create a 10 Slide PowerPoint on EMDR

Sample of our Hit Page

Search Google Chrome for [“10 Slide EMDR PowerPoint”]

An outline for a 10-slide PowerPoint presentation on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, based on standard clinical and research frameworks

 

Slide 1: Title Slide

Title: Understanding EMDR Therapy: A Guide to Trauma Recovery

Subtitle: History, Mechanisms, and the 8-Phase Treatment Model

Presenter Info: [Your Name / Date / Organization]

 

Slide 2: What is EMDR?

Definition: An integrative psychotherapy developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Francine Shapiro.

Core Purpose: Designed to resolve symptoms resulting from disturbing and traumatic life experiences.

Key Mechanism: Utilizes bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tones, or taps) to help the brain reprocess "frozen" or overwhelmed memories.

Link: View a detailed overview via the EMDR SlideShare Presentation.

 

Slide 3: The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model

Natural Processing: The brain naturally heals from emotional distress, much like the body heals from a physical wound.

Trauma Blockade: Severe trauma overwhelms the nervous system, leaving memories stored in raw, unprocessed forms with original sights, sounds, and emotions.

EMDR's Role: Acts as a catalyst to restart the brain's innate information-processing system.

 

Slide 4: The Three-Pronged Focus

Past: Target historical memories and root experiences that form the foundation of current dysfunction.

Present: Address ongoing triggers, current distress, and high-reactivity situations.

Future: Install and build positive templates for future actions, increasing adaptive behavior.

 

Slide 5: The 8 Phases of EMDR (Part 1: Preparation)

Phase 1: Client History & Treatment Planning: Identify target memories, current skills, and contraindications.

Phase 2: Preparation: Build therapeutic alliance, explain the model, and teach self-regulation and grounding techniques.

Phase 3: Assessment: Identify the target memory's image, negative cognition (NC), positive cognition (PC), and baseline metrics (SUD and VOC scales).

 

Slide 6: The 8 Phases of EMDR (Part 2: Reprocessing)

Phase 4: Desensitization: Apply bilateral stimulation (BLS) while the client focuses on the trauma memory to lower distress.

Key Metric: Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD scale from 0 to 10 drops to 0 or 1).

Phase 5: Installation: Strengthen the chosen positive belief (e.g., "I am safe now").

Key Metric: Validity of Cognition (VOC scale from 1 to 7 reaches 7).

Slide 7: The 8 Phases of EMDR (Part 3: Completion)

Phase 6: Body Scan: Client mentally scans their body for any residual physical tension or somatic distress linked to the memory.

Phase 7: Closure: Return the client to a state of emotional equilibrium at the end of every session (whether the memory is fully processed or not).

Phase 8: Re-evaluation: At the start of the next session, evaluate progress and determine next steps.

 

Slide 8: Clinical Applications & Indications

Primary Focus: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and NICE guidelines.

Expanded Applications: Anxiety, unipolar depression, panic disorders, substance use disorders, grief, and chronic pain.

Link: Explore clinical slides on EMDR Therapy Overview.

 

Slide 9: Efficacy and Research

Speed of Recovery: Often requires fewer sessions compared to traditional talk therapy or CBT for single-incident trauma.

Research Base: Backed by over 30 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrating high remission rates (up to 85–100% for single-trauma PTSD after short courses).

Dual-Awareness: Keeps the client grounded in the safe present while processing the past.

 

Slide 10: Conclusion & Q&A

Summary Takeaway: EMDR is a structured, evidence-based trauma therapy that unlocks the brain's natural healing potential.

Questions / Discussion: Open floor for audience queries.

References & Further Reading: Francine Shapiro (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures).

 

Briefly what is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy treatment designed to alleviate trauma and emotional distress by helping the brain reprocess stuck memories. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987, the therapy uses guided bilateral stimulation—such as side-to-side eye movements, auditory tones, or physical taps—while a client focuses on a distressing memory.

How EMDR Works

Adaptive Information Processing (AIP):

This model suggests the brain has a natural ability to heal from psychological stress, much like the body heals from a physical injury. Trauma disrupts this system, leaving memories stored improperly.

Bilateral Stimulation:

Back-and-forth eye movements or tactile taps help downregulate the amygdala (the brain's threat detector) and engage both hemispheres of the brain.

Dual Awareness:

You stay grounded in the safe present moment with your therapist while briefly holding the traumatic memory in mind, which lessens its emotional intensity.

No Detailed Storytelling Required:

Unlike traditional exposure therapy, EMDR does not require you to talk through a traumatic event in exhaustive detail or complete heavy homework.

The Three-Prong Approach

EMDR targets trauma across a temporal framework:

Past:

Reprocessing and desensitizing foundational traumatic memories.

Present:

Reducing reactivity to current triggers and distressing situations.

Future:

Building and installing adaptive, positive responses for future challenges.

The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy

Treatment typically spans 3 to 12+ sessions (lasting 60 to 90 minutes each) and follows a structured protocol:

History and Treatment Planning:

Assessing history, identifying targets, and building a therapeutic alliance.

Preparation:

Teaching coping skills, calming techniques, and emotional "resourcing".

Assessment:

Identifying the specific memory, associated negative beliefs (e.g., "I am unsafe"), positive cognitions, and rating distress levels.

Desensitization:

Applying bilateral stimulation while focusing on the memory to lower distress.

Installation:

Strengthening the connection to a chosen positive belief.

Body Scan:

Checking the body for any remaining physical tension or stress linked to the memory.

Closure:

Returning the person to a state of emotional equilibrium at the end of a session.

Reevaluation:

Reviewing progress in subsequent sessions to determine if new targets need processing.

What EMDR Treats?

While globally recognized as a gold standard for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), EMDR is also used to address:

• Anxiety and panic disorders
• Depression
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Eating and personality disorders
• Grief, chronic pain, and addiction

You can find authorized practitioner directories and clinical guidelines through the EMDR International Association or the EMDR Institute.

 

FYI – II - Are you looking for information on how to find a certified EMDR therapist, or do you want to know more about what a specific session feels like?

EMDR Assessment

You can access and download standard EMDR assessment and Phase 3 worksheets directly from clinical resource providers:

Free Worksheets & Case Conceptualization:

Download free clinical templates including intake questionnaires, targeting sequence plans, and phase guides through EMDR Consulting Free Materials.

Standard Protocol Sheet:

Access the standard EMDR protocol and phase tools via the Psychology Tools EMDR Protocol.

Official 8-Phase Overview: Review the standard framework on the EMDRIA 8 Phases PDF. [1]

Multilingual / Clinical Worksheets:

View assessment and reprocessing scripts via the Escuela EMDR Worksheet PDF.

What is Included in an EMDR Assessment (Phase 3)?

Phase 3 of EMDR (Assessment) establishes the baseline metrics and cognitive components of a specific target memory using the TICES element sequence:

Target Image:

The specific visual snapshot or scene that represents the worst part of the memory.

Negative Cognition (NC):

The current, self-referring negative belief about oneself (e.g., "I am helpless" or "I am not safe").

Positive Cognition (PC): The desired, adaptive self-belief the client wants to hold instead (e.g., "I did the best I could" or "I am safe now").

VoC (Validity of Cognition):

A scale from 1 (completely false) to 7 (completely true) measuring how true the positive cognition feels right now.

Emotions & Body Sensation:

The primary feelings evoked by the memory and the exact physical location of the sensation in the body.

SUDS (Subjective Units of Disturbance):

A scale from 0 (no disturbance / neutral) to 10 (highest distress imaginable) measuring how upsetting the memory feels currently.

 

FYI – II - If you are looking for a specific type of EMDR form (such as history-taking, future template, or a full 8-phase cheat sheet), let me know and I can point you to the right resource.

EMDR Consulting (PDFs)

https://emdrconsulting.com/training/free-materials/

Free PDF files of worksheets created by EMDR Consulting to assist you in EMDR case conceptualization, processing, and integration. Listed below are PDF files of worksheets by EMDR Consulting to assist you in EMDR case conceptualization, processing, and integration. We have also included our free “What is EMDR?” brochure, which you can print and freely redistribute to your clients.

 

• “What is EMDR?” Brochure
• A-TIP Worksheet
• Calm / Soothing Experience
• Chronological Targeting Plan Worksheet
• Congruent Breathing
• Core Belief Clusters
• Developing a Container
• EMDR Belief Schema Focused History
• Intake Questionnaire
• Multiple Schemata Worksheet
• Phase 2 Mechanics
• Restricted Processing Phases 3-6
• Targeting Sequence Plan Summary Worksheet
• Treatment Sessions Summary
• Wheel of Fortunate Resources

Intake Questionnaire

 

General information [ ] M [ ] F Age 67 Ethnicity Scandinavian

 

[ ] Married [ ] Partnered [ ] Single [ ] Divorced [ ] Widowed

 

Living arrangements: Retirement Community AL

 

Career: ___________________________________________________________________

 

Health [ ] Excellent [  ] Good [ ] Fair [ ] Poor

 

Medical concerns: _______­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­___________________________________________________

 

Medications: _______________________________________________________________

 

Behaviors: [X ] Smoking [ ] Alcohol [ ] Drugs [ ] Other _______

 

Family of origin Parents: [X ] Married [ ] Divorced [ ] Stepparent(s)

 

Father’s parenting style, major characteristics: ____________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

 

Mother’s parenting style, major characteristics ____________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

 

Number of siblings ___________ Client’s birth order ____________

 

Religious upbringing: __________________________________________________

 

Significant childhood experiences

Good/happy/positive Age Bad/negative/sad/disturbing Age

___________________ ___ ______________________ ___

___________________ ___ ______________________ ___

___________________ ___ ______________________ ___

___________________ ___ ______________________ ___

Content Area Literacy (Brief)

 

EMDR Therapy for Anxiety, Panic, PTSD and Trauma - Psycom.net
[Link Broken kept for metadata]
https://www.psycom.net/emdr-therapy-anxiety-panic-ptsd-trauma

 

What does EMDR therapy do?

EMDR therapy is a phased, focused approach to treating trauma and other symptoms by reconnecting the traumatized person in a safe and measured way to the images, self-thoughts, emotions, and body sensations associated with the trauma, and allowing the natural healing powers of the brain to move toward adaptive...

 

EMDR Therapy for Anxiety, Panic, PTSD and Trauma

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy technique used to treat anxiety, PTSD, and more.
 
Two Tables to Follow
 
·       Sample of a provider approach
·       Sample of Lived Experience approach

 

o   Where am I at?

o   Applying the Adverse Childhood Experience Survey (ACES)

 

Sample Intellectual Partners

Their Approach – Method A – Phase & Focused Approach

EMDR has eight phases of treatment: November 3, 2026

Our Approach – Method B – Lived Experience Approach

EMDR versus CBT

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are both evidence-based, highly effective treatments for PTSD, anxiety, and trauma, but they work through different mechanisms and session structures.

Core Differences

How They Work:

CBT focuses on the present, helping you identify, challenge, and restructure unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. It relies on talk, cognitive reframing, and active skill-building.

EMDR focuses on the past and how frozen or improperly stored traumatic memories drive current distress. It uses bilateral stimulation (such as guided side-to-side eye movements, taps, or audio tones) to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories.

Talking About Trauma:

CBT (such as Trauma-Focused CBT or Cognitive Processing Therapy) usually requires you to talk through or write about the traumatic event in detail.

EMDR does not require a detailed verbal description of the trauma, making it a good fit if you struggle to put your experience into words or find talking about it re-traumatizing.

Homework:

CBT regularly involves out-of-session homework, worksheets, and practical behavioral experiments.

EMDR is largely contained within the therapy session itself, with minimal formal homework other than general grounding tools.

Timeline:

EMDR often works more rapidly for single-event trauma (frequently taking 6 to 12 sessions).

CBT typically runs 12 to 20 sessions or longer, depending on the condition being treated.

Community Consensus: Users on Reddit generally agree that EMDR is preferred for deep-seated or preverbal traumatic memories where you want to neutralize the emotional charge of an event, whereas CBT is favored for everyday stress, depression, and learning conscious coping tools.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose CBT if you prefer a structured, conversational approach, want practical tools for day-to-day anxiety or depression, and are comfortable doing homework and active cognitive exercises.

Choose EMDR if you have specific past traumas, flashbacks, or physical sensations of "stuck" stress, and prefer a method that reprocesses memories without a heavy verbal narrative.

If you'd like to narrow it down, tell me:

 

FYI – II - What specific challenges or symptoms you are hoping to treat (e.g., trauma, panic, depression). Whether you prefer talking through issues or a more somatic/internal approach. I can help you explore what questions to ask a potential therapist.