Objectives of EMDR Basic Training

Part 1 Objectives

    • List the 8-phases of EMDR Therapy 

    • List the 3 prongs of EMDR Therapy

    • Explain how EMDR was discovered by Francine Shapiro

    • Describe EMDR as an evidence-based therapy

    • Describe at least 2 mechanisms of action theorized to explain how EMDR Therapy works

    • Describe two client self-use coping strategy techniques or protocols (i.e., stabilization techniques)

    • Explain the purpose of phase 3

    • Identify 3 key components of phase 3

    • Explain phase 4’s purpose

    • Describe and demonstrate phase 4 protocol to desensitize a memory

    • Identify qualities of a Positive Cognition (PC)

    • Identify at least three strategies to deal with hyper-arousal or hypo-arousal (over or under accessing traumatic material)

    • Describe how to close a session to promote emotional equilibrium

    • List the 3 prongs in the 3-pronged protocol

    • Identify the target of reprocessing in the 2nd prong (Present)

    • Explain when to use the Future Template in the order of target processing (past, present and future prongs)

Part 2 Objectives

    • Explain the concept of pathology from the AIP perspective

    • Identify which of the 8 phases are considered reprocessing phases 

    • Identify two types of interweaves

    • List two cognitive interweave plateaus

    • Demonstrate application of the processing protocol in practicum (at minimum Assessment and Desensitization phases)

    • Describe what complex trauma is

    • List at least two signs of dissociation

    • Identify two modifications to history taking that can be made in phase 1 for complex trauma

    • Identify at least two types of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

    • Identify a question you can ask in phase 1 to explore a client’s social and cultural experiences

    • Describe 2 methods for measuring SUDs with children other than using a numbered scale of 0-10

    • Utilize procedures for special populations (military or sexual abuse survivors)

    • Utilize procedures for special situations, including Single traumatic events, EMD, EMDR, Anxiety protocol

    • Describe treatment planning considerations for special situations: phobias, complicated grief, and pain

    • Identify which protocol is appropriate for prolonged, continuous adverse experiences

    • Determine possible reprocessing targets for a specific or process phobias

    • List two risk factors for complicated grief

    • List at least two protocols to use with clients who struggle with addictions

    • Apply, demonstrate, and practice the Future Template protocol

    • Demonstrate the procedural steps of the Resource Development and Installation (RDI) protocol

Disipline Objectives

    • Provide a working definition of trauma from a psychological perspective and explain how it relates to the adaptive information processing (AIP) model.

    • Utilize all 8 phases of EMDR Therapy concerning general, well-established principles for trauma-informed care.

    • Discuss, in general, what it means to be an ethical EMDR Therapist as it relates to psychology, psychotherapy, and counselling standards.

    • Identify modifications or phase considerations for EMDR therapy with at least one of the following groups of people/clinical situations: Adults, Children, addictions, survivors of sexual abuse, military, and complex PTSD .

    • Provide a working definition of trauma from a social work perspective.

    • Utilize all 8 phases of EMDR Therapy concerning general, well-established principles for trauma-informed care.

    • Discuss, in general, what it means to be an ethical EMDR Therapist ensuring safe and ethical practice as it relates to social work standards.

    • Explain potential modifications or phase considerations for EMDR therapy with at least one of the following groups of people/clinical situations: Adults, Children, addictions, survivors of sexual abuse, military, and complex PTSD.