Leone Centre Glossary

Desensitisation Phase in EMDR

Desensitisation Phase

The Desensitisation Phase in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a key component of this therapeutic approach. This phase focuses on reducing the emotional intensity associated with traumatic memories, supporting the overall healing process.

Emotional Distress

The Desensitisation Phase targets the distressing emotions linked to traumatic events, helping individuals reduce their emotional response to these memories.

During the Desensitisation Phase, individuals undergo specific eye movements or other bilateral stimulation while recalling traumatic memories. This process helps in reprocessing these memories and reducing their emotional impact.

Key Features and Benefits:

  1. Reduces emotional distress linked to trauma
  2. Facilitates healthier emotional responses
  3. Aids in overall emotional healing

How It Helps

The Desensitisation Phase helps by reducing the emotional intensity of traumatic memories, allowing for more adaptive processing of these memories.

How It Works

During the Desensitisation Phase, the individual focuses on a traumatic memory while the experienced therapist facilitates eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. This process helps reprocess the memory and reduce its emotional intensity.

FAQs

What is the Desensitisation Phase in EMDR?
The Desensitisation Phase is a component of EMDR where the emotional distress associated with traumatic memories is reduced through specific eye movements or other bilateral stimulation.
How does the Desensitisation Phase help?
It helps by diminishing the emotional response to traumatic memories, facilitating healthier emotional processing and overall emotional healing.
What happens during the Desensitisation Phase?
During this phase, an individual focuses on a traumatic memory while the experienced therapist guides them through eye movements or other bilateral stimulation to reprocess the memory and reduce its emotional impact.

References

  1. Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. Guilford Press.
  2. Maxfield, L., & Hyer, L. (2002). The relationship between efficacy and methodology in studies investigating EMDR treatment of PTSD. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(1), 23-41.
Book Now

Get Started Today
with Leone Centre

Book Now

BOOK NOW

Call Us

Call us
020 3930 1007

View therapists

View our therapists
Find your match

This glossary provides definitions of various counselling terms and approaches for informational purposes only, without implying endorsement or service provision