Trauma and EMDR: stabilisation · worksheet 90
EMDR is a therapy that helps the brain “digest” difficult memories. It is done in phases, at your pace, and you always stay in control. Here is what to expect, and space to prepare your questions.
Before you start
- What it is for: To know what to expect from EMDR therapy and prepare your questions.
- About 10 minutes, before starting EMDR therapy or in the first sessions.
- It is normal to have doubts or some fear before starting: writing them down helps you talk about them with your psychologist.
- EMDR therapy works in phases. No difficult memory is worked on until you have resources to stabilise yourself.
Prefer paper? Download the PDF to print (with a page for psychologists).
What to do with your results
Your questions and fears matter: talk about them with your psychologist. It is normal to feel uneasy at first.
If you find it hard
Between sessions there may be dreams, emotions or memories: write them down and use your resources (worksheets 92 to 95). If it is too intense, contact your psychologist.
For psychologists
The PDF also includes a page for the psychologist: how to run the exercise in session, points to watch and scientific references. You are free to use it with your clients.
For psychologists: aim, audience and duration
Inform the person about what EMDR therapy involves (history, preparation and stabilisation, reprocessing of memories, re-evaluation) and help them prepare their questions and resources.
People starting or considering EMDR therapy. Duration: 15 min in session or as reading.
References
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford.
World Health Organization (2013). Guidelines for the Management of Conditions Specifically Related to Stress. WHO.
These worksheets do not replace therapy. If you are in distress or having suicidal thoughts, call your local emergency number (112 in Europe; 3114 in France, free, 24/7).
Free worksheet for non-commercial use: you may share it with credit to the author, without modifying it (Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence).
