EMDR in short-term treatment
Your new client sits across from you and describes their symptoms. You realize that EMDR may be the best fit to bring them relief. But then you realize…
…your treatment setting limits the time each client has for treatment.
…your client only has a limited amount of time with you due to travel, a move, or financial constraints.
How do we provide quality EMDR treatment in a short term model of treatment?
The key focus when providing EMDR in a limited-time treatment model is targeted treatment. Case Conceptualization here will be your best friend and most effective tool in keeping your client’s primary need at the center of every session you have.
What is bringing your client the most pain?
What is your client avoiding that they most want to be able to engage with in the future?
What negative cognition is most limiting to your client?
Once these questions are answered, a target treatment plan becomes much clearer. It’s rare that I’ve had a client with a single traumatic event that they want to process in therapy, but these cases will be ideal for short-term treatment. When clients bring in complex trauma, it’s vital that both you and the client realize and remember which piece of the pie will be the focus of this round of therapy.
Once you and the client agree on the focus of treatment during this round of therapy, it’s time to lean into your 8 Phases of EMDR with intention specific to your client’s targeted goal for treatment, allowing each session to count. Preparation and Resourcing in Phase 2 can be designed with client’s primary pain point, desired activities, and positive cognitions in mind.
I’ve seen amazing change happen in my clients’ lives, even in 8-15 sessions. Lean in and see what can happen!
If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation for specific case questions, you can reach out here!