Notice That Why So Many Protocols?: EMDR Modifications and Their Common Themes
Aug 28, 2025
Dive into the fascinating world of EMDR protocols and discover why there are so many variations. The discussion breaks down the essential themes connecting these methods, like the three-pronged approach and dual attention. Learn when to stick to a standard framework and when to unleash your clinical creativity. The hosts highlight the power of case conceptualization over simply memorizing techniques, making it easier to tailor EMDR to each client’s unique needs. Plus, enjoy light-hearted reflections on creative play in therapy!
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Question The Need For New Protocols
- EMDR has a standard eight-phase protocol but many modifications arise when presentations don't fit neatly.
- Clinicians should ask why the standard approach fails before grabbing a new protocol.
Learn From Protocols, Then Adapt
- Use special protocol trainings to borrow others' clinical wisdom when you lack experience with a population.
- Then adapt those ideas to your own clinical creativity rather than blindly following scripts.
Common Threads Across Protocols
- Most special protocols share common themes rather than being entirely new methods.
- They often rework emphasis on past, present, future, origins, and perpetuating factors within the eight-phase framework.
