Phase 3 of EMDR, the Assessment Phase

EMDR therapy helps individuals process trauma and distressing memories through a structured eight-phase therapeutic approach. Each phase builds upon the last, addressing different aspects of trauma and preparing the client for emotional healing.

In my previous blogs, I’ve described the first two phases of EMDR (there are eight phases in total). In this blog, I describe the third phase, the Assessment phase. This phase is designed to lay the groundwork for phase 4, the Desensitization phase, where the actual reprocessing of the traumatic memory begins.

What are the steps in Phase 3?

1. Confirm the memory you want to process. Typically, we’ve already identified this memory in phase 1, but we intentionally bring up this memory in phase 3 to prime you for the following steps in this phase, as well as phase 4.

2. Identify the image that represents the memory. You will describe an image that represents the memory. Similarly to how YouTube will display a thumbnail image that represents the entire video next to the link, your chosen image serves as a representation of the entire memory. This still image will be used in processing phases 4-6 of EMDR, as well.

3. Identify the negative belief about yourself: You will identify the negative belief about yourself when you see that image from the previous step. Examples of negative beliefs could be, “I should have done something”, “I am a failure”, or “I am in danger.”

4. Describe the emotions you feel when you bring up the image and the negative belief. Examples of emotions could be, “sad”, “scared”, “angry”, or “guilty”.

5. Rate your emotional distress. The therapist will ask you to rate your level of emotional distress (sad, angry, fearful, etc.) on a scale from 0 (no distress) to 10 (the most distress you can imagine). This rating will help the therapist keep track of your progress throughout the processing phases. 

6. Describe the location of body sensations. You’ll be asked to describe any sensations in the body as you recall the still image and the emotions associated with the image. This is a guidepost to the therapist about where your body is holding on to your trauma. This is important information as the therapist will continue to monitor your body sensations throughout the processing phases. Phase 6, in particular, is focused on eliminating any negative body sensations associated with the memory.

   Why is Phase 3 important?

   Phase 3 sets the stage for the processing phases 4-6, and helps the therapist monitor the client’s progress towards healing from the traumatic memory. The information you provide during phase 3 helps provide a roadmap for the therapist to know what they are working with at the beginning of processing and where they need to take you by the end of processing. One of the main goals of EMDR is to help the client shift their negative beliefs, sensations, and emotions to feel more empowered, at peace, and less emotionally distressed, and phase 3 is the roadmap to help the client get there. Phase 3 happens to be the fastest phase, lasting about 5-10 minutes, as it occurs directly before phase 4.

   I hope this explanation has helped you feel more informed about how EMDR works. Please feel free to read my other blogs on the eight phases of EMDR. If you have any questions about EMDR therapy, please feel free to contact me.