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Welcome to Day 2!

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Day 2 — Today's Agenda

01

Review Day 1

Key takeaways and open questions

02

Phase 2: Preparation

Finding targets, NC, PC, treatment planning

03

Phases 3–7

Assessment through reevaluation

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Review of Day 1

Let's reconnect with what we covered — and build on it today.

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Day 1 Takeaways

What is EMDR?

History, theory & the AIP model

PTI Principles

Somatic & attachment approach

The 3 Prongs

Past, Present, Future

Regulation & The Answer

Understanding client coping strategies & mechanics

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Day 1 Review: Phase 2 Focus Areas

Expanding the Window of Tolerance

Assessing client readiness and safety

Preparing the Client

Predicting pitfalls based on the Answer; More and Less of

Resources

Finding Calm and Contain; assessing client resources

Understanding the Client's Answer

The roadmap to the root

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What Questions Do You Have?

We will continue with Phase 2 — getting to the root through the Negative Cognition.

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What You Will Learn Today

Presenting Issue / Present Triggers

A specific, current problem

Touchstone Memory

Earliest experience relating to the present issue

Target Memory

The memory to process — starting with the Touchstone

Negative Cognition

A negative self-belief that helps uncover the root

Root of the Issue

Earliest experiential time prior to the Answer

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PHASE 2

Phase 2: Preparation

Setting the foundation for safe and effective processing.

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THE 3 PRONGS

The 3 Prongs: Where to Start

Treatment always begins by identifying which prong to address first.

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The 3 Prongs: Past, Present, Future

Past

First experience (Touchstone Memory)
Worst experience
Other memories in chronological order

Present

Recent times the presenting issue is activated:

Work / School
Social situations
Intimate relationships

Future

Desired future response for each present trigger
New patterns of behavior and feeling
Missing experiences or underdeveloped skills

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The 3 Prongs: Order of Processing

One Presenting Issue at a Time

Stay focused — don't scatter across multiple themes

Start with the Touchstone Memory

Earliest memory first, then process chronologically

Then Present Triggers & Future

Once past memories resolve, evaluate present and install future template

In Phase 2 we ask about the present (how the client feels NOW) → Negative Cognition → Root → Touchstone Memory.

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Touchstone Memory: Getting to the Root

We trim the leaves to get to the first experience — the Touchstone Memory — and uncover the root cause of the client's presenting issue.

The root holds the unprocessed core experience driving today's distress.

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Touchstone Memory: Funneling Toward the Root

The funnel moves from the presenting issue all the way down to the earliest core memory.

Funneling Toward the Root

1

Specific Moments in Time Now

2

Asking About the Worst Part of Now and the Correct NC

3

Getting to the Root

4

Touchstone

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Touchstone Memory: Direct Questioning

"What is an earlier time you can remember experiencing something similar?"

No matter what earlier memory they report, follow with:

"And can you think of an earlier time?"

Repeat until the client cannot recall any earlier experiences.

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Touchstone Memory: Float Back

"As you bring up the recent experience of _____, notice the image that comes to mind, the negative belief about yourself along with any emotions and sensations, and let your mind float back to an earlier time in your life when you may have felt something similar."

(Shapiro, 2001 — p. 70 of the manual)

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Touchstone Memory: Affect Scan

"Bring up that negative experience, the emotions and the sensations you are having now, and allow yourself to float back to the earliest time you experienced something similar."

The affect scan uses somatic cues — not just cognitions — to trace back to the root.

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Finding the Root Under the Answer

In EMDR therapy, clients often present with an "Answer"—a coping belief, rigid rule, or behavioral strategy—rather than the root negative cognition (NC). These answers frequently function as defensive structures. The clinician's role is to help the client peel back these layers to identify the deeper, self-referencing negative belief that anchors the distress.

The "Answer" often sounds like a rule or a behavioral mandate, whereas the root NC is about the person's core sense of self.

Possibly the Answer

Question to Ask

Possible Root NC

I need to be perfect

And if you weren't perfect, what would that mean about you?

I am not good enough / I am a failure

I have to be in control

And if you weren't in control, what would that mean about you?

I am powerless / I am helpless

I must take care of everyone

And if you didn't, what would that mean about you?

I am not lovable / I am bad

I can't trust anyone

And what does that say about you?

I am not safe / I am vulnerable

I have to be strong

And if you weren't strong, what would that mean about you?

I am weak / I am not good enough

This is the SAFE approach — recommended for identifying targets by unveiling the true experiential root beneath the Answer.

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Touchstone Memory: Red Flags

No Family-of-Origin Memories

"What happened when you told your parents (caregivers)?"

No Affect With Memories

Client may be intellectualizing — all memories reflect the Answer (staying safe/connected). Ask: "What happens when you can't do that?"

No Disturbance About One Caregiver

"What happened when you told the other parent (caregiver)?"

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Adaptations with Kids: Finding Targets

Adapted Adult Script

Use the adult finding-target script for older kids; simplify language as needed

Caregiver-Suggested Targets

Targets may come from a caregiver or other involved adult

Storytelling & Observation

Tell stories about typical situations (orphanage environment, birth story, neglected baby) and observe the child's response

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Using the Negative Cognition to Find the Touchstone Memory

The Negative Cognition is the verbalization of disturbing affect.

It is the bridge from the present problem to the earliest unprocessed root.

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Negative Cognition: Core Characteristics

A core, negative belief about the self.

Feels bad

Emotionally painful when activated

Feels true — but isn't

The belief has been avoided

Child-level words

Simple, raw language — as bad as possible

Generalizable

Applies across many situations and memories

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Why the NC Matters

Finding the NC helps by:

Activating the Disturbing Memory

Brings the unprocessed material into working memory

Activating the Limbic System

Engages the emotional brain — essential for reprocessing

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How to Find the NC

"When you bring up the worst part of that experience, what negative belief do you have about yourself right now?"

"When you focus on that anger, what is the negative belief you have about yourself, even though you may know better?"

"If that sadness (tightness, pain) had words, what would it be telling you about yourself?"

Confirming the Correct NC:

"Which one feels the worst?" (when multiple NCs surface)
"Does 'I'm not good enough' seem to fit?"
"Can you feel 'I'm stupid'?"

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The correct NC will light up the emotional fragments of past, unprocessed memories.

You are looking for resonance — a felt sense that this belief fits the core wound.

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Root of the Problem — or Answer to the Root?

The client's Answer will likely surface here as a coping shield.

Watch for the Answer masking the true NC. Help the client move under the Answer to the real belief.

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Let It Be Organic

Understanding how the client had to adapt sets the conditions for their system to access the reason for the Answer.

Ideally Organic

The NC surfaces naturally from the client's system during target-finding

Therapist Assists When Needed

Offer possibilities via a question or a menu — gently, not prescriptively

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The NC & Caregivers

The root of the NC is often connected to our caregivers — not to assign blame, but to understand.

Family culture

Messages passed down through the system

What didn't happen

Absence of attunement can be just as formative

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Negative & Positive Beliefs — Continued

Negative Belief (NC)

Possible Positive Belief (PC)

Defectiveness/Shame

I'm permanently damaged

I can heal

There is something wrong with me

I am fine as I am

I'm not good enough

I am good enough

I'm a bad person or I'm bad

I am good or caring

I'm incompetent

I can succeed

I'm worthless/inadequate

I am worthy

I am unlovable

I am lovable

I am stupid

I am smart enough

I am ugly

I am fine as I am

I am a disappointment

I am okay as I am

I'm different

I'm okay as I am

I'm invisible

I matter

I am a failure

I am worthy

Responsibility/Guilt

It's my fault

I did the best I could

I should have done something

I did the best I could

I should have known better

I did what I could

I should not have ___

I can learn

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Negative & Positive Beliefs: Discrimination / Exclusion

Negative Belief (NC)

Possible Positive Belief (PC)

Safety

I'm going to die

I survived / It's over

I am in danger

I am safe now

It's not okay to be safe

I can feel safe when I am safe

Control/Choices

I am out of control

I can have control

I am powerless

I have personal power

I am helpless

I can make choices

I am weak

I am strong

I can't protect myself

I can protect myself

I can't trust my judgment

I can trust my judgment

I cannot get what I want

I can get what I want

I have to be perfect

I can be human

Discrimination/ exclusion

I'm less than.

I'm equal

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From the Answer to the Root NC

Possibly the Answer

Question to Ask

Possible Root NC

I have to be perfect

What does it mean about you if you mess up or fail?

I'm worthless / I'm not good enough / I'm a failure

I have to be in control

What would happen if you are not in control?

I'm powerless / I'm incompetent

I'm a disappointment

What does that say about you?

I'm unloveable

I have to please people

What happens if you don't?

I'm not good enough / I'm invisible

I'm lazy

What does that say about you?

I'm a failure / I don't matter / I'm powerless

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Common Mistakes with the NC

Describes a Behavior

"I drink too much" — not a self-belief

About the Past, Not Now

"I was scared" — must be present tense

Heady or Adult Language

"I have low self-esteem" — too intellectual; use child words

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Kids Adaptations: Negative & Positive Beliefs

Bad / Yucky Thoughts

I'm bad
I'm stupid
I'm unwanted
I'm not safe
I'm ugly
I blew it
I'm scared

Good Thoughts

I'm good
I'm smart
I'm lovable
I'm safe now
I'm just right / I'm beautiful
I did the best I could
I made it

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Knowing You Have the Right NC

You will see affect when the correct NC is identified.

Watch for shifts in the client's face, body, or voice — these signal that the belief has landed in the right place.

If there is no affect, keep exploring. The right NC lights something up.

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Positive Cognition

Hope for the Future

Reflects where the client wants to go

Desired Direction of Change

Points toward healing, not just the absence of pain

Generalizable

Applies across situations, not just to one event

Somewhat Believable

Should feel like a realistic reach — not a fantasy

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PC Mistake #1: Just Negating the NC

Simply flipping the NC is not a valid PC.

Wrong: NC = "I'm ugly" → PC = "I am not ugly"

Better: "Would you like to believe 'I'm fine as I am'?"

The PC must reflect a positive direction, not just the absence of the negative.

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PC Mistakes #2 & #3

Magical Thinking

"Everything is perfect and wonderful" — not grounded in reality; the client won't believe it

The Leap Is Too Big

NC = "I'm worthless" → PC = "I'm extraordinary" — the gap must be bridgeable

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PC Mistake #4: Confusing the Timing

Ask: "How true does the PC feel right now?" — not how true it felt then, or how true it should feel.

The VOC rating is always about the present moment, even though you are holding the past memory.

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Treatment Planning: The 3 Prongs Revisited

Past

Early events still holding emotional charge in the client's system

Present

Current events activating the early unprocessed memory

Future

How the client wants to feel, respond, and believe when triggers arise

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Completing the Treatment Plan

Each event in the treatment plan should be a specific moment in time.

Past Events

List subsequent events in order

Future Template

Define desired adaptive outcome

Touchstone Memory

Identify earliest specific moment

Present Triggers

Map current situations that activate response

Completing the treatment plan goes in chronological order — from youngest age to oldest — before moving to present triggers and the future template.

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When Are Past Events Complete?

Criteria for Completion

Each past event must reach:

SUD = 0 (no disturbance)

VOC = 7 (fully true)

Then Evaluate Present Triggers

Once all past events are resolved, the present triggers are re-evaluated. If still active, process them using Phases 3–7.

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Finding Future Desired States Through Present Triggers

Future Template Protocol

Present Trigger B

Desired future state B

Present Trigger C

Desired future state C

Protocol Application

Apply Future Template

Present Trigger A

Desired future state A

For each present trigger, the client and therapist collaboratively identify the desired future state — then address it with the Future Template Protocol.

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Desired Future States

"If you don't know where you are going, you might not get there."

Ask the client for each present trigger:

How would you like to respond or feel?

How would you like to act differently?

How would you like to handle the situation?

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Future Desired States: Script

1

Present Trigger 1

"As you think about the present trigger of _______, how would you like to be able to react, feel, or behave when that or something similar happens in the near future?"

2

Present Trigger 2

"As you think about the present trigger of _______, how would you like to be able to react, feel, or behave when that or something similar happens in the near future?"

3

Present Trigger 3

"As you think about the present trigger of _______, how would you like to be able to react, feel, or behave when that or something similar happens in the near future?"

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Treatment Plan — Targets

Socially

Work/ Community

Close Relationships

Attachment/ Relational Longing Under the Issue

Presenting Issue/ Symptom

Present Triggers

You can get this information from the “Finding the root under The Answer” treatment plan

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Treatment Plan — Past Events & Future States

Socially

Work/ Community

Close Relationships

Age:

Memory:

Future Desired States

Past Events

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PHASE 3

Phase 3: Assessment

Think of this as the Activation Phase.

Asking structured questions to fully activate the target memory before processing begins.

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Assessment: What We're Doing

Ask structured questions to activate the memory

Stick to the script — don't improvise here

Think of Phase 3 as flipping all the switches — starting the engine before processing begins in Phase 4.

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Phase 3: Procedural Steps

1. Target Memory

Identify the specific memory to be processed.

2. Negative Cognition

Elicit the negative self-belief connected to the memory.

3. Positive Cognition

Identify the desired positive belief.

4. Validity of Cognition (VOC)

Rate how true the PC feels on a 1–7 scale.

5. Emotions

Name the emotions connected to the memory.

6. SUD Scale

Rate disturbance level from 0–10.

7. Location in the Body

Identify where the disturbance is felt physically.

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Assessment Worksheet

You can follow along on your Practice Sheet.

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STEP 1

Target Memory

Select a specific moment in time — ideally the earliest memory.

"What picture represents the worst part of the incident?"

Only if no image comes:

"When you think of the incident, what do you get?"

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STEP 2

Negative Cognition

"What words go best with that picture that express your negative belief about yourself now?"

Look for present-tense, child-level language that carries emotional weight.

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STEP 3

Positive Cognition

"When you bring up that picture or incident, what would you like to believe about yourself now?"

Must be forward-looking, generalizable, and somewhat believable.

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STEP 4

Validity of Cognition (VOC)

"When you bring up that memory, how true do those words ___ feel to you on a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 feels completely false and 7 feels completely true?"

1

Completely False

7

Completely True

2 3 4 5 6

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STEP 5

Emotions

Identifying the emotion associated with the targeted incident.

"When you think of that memory and the words ___ (repeat NC), what emotion do you feel now?"

Name it clearly — this begins activating the full memory network.

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STEP 6

SUDS — Subjective Units of Disturbance Scale

"From zero (no disturbance/neutral) to 10 (the worst disturbance you can imagine), how disturbing does it feel to you now?"

0

No Disturbance

Neutral

10

Worst Disturbance

Maximum imaginable

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

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STEP 7

Physical Sensation — Location in the Body

"Where do you feel it in your body?"

The somatic anchor grounds the memory in the present body — essential for full activation before Phase 4 begins.

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End of Phase 3 → Start of Phase 4

"I'd like to invite you to bring up that image, those negative words ___ (e.g., 'I'm not good enough'), notice where you are feeling it in your body, and follow my fingers."

Phase 3 is complete. Processing begins.

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Phase 3 Adaptations for Kids

Image

Drawing, photo, or Sentry figure

SUD / VOC

Blocks, hands, faces — concrete and creative measures

Emotions & Body

Magnifying glass, wand, or body outline

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Day 2 — Key Takeaways

Find the Root

Use Direct Questioning, Float Back, and Affect Scan to reach the Touchstone Memory

NC & PC

The NC activates the wound; the PC points toward healing

Treatment Planning

Past → Present → Future, one issue at a time, in chronological order

Phase 3: Activate

Follow the 7 procedural steps — stick to the script and watch for affect

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Phase 4: Desensitization

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PHASE 4

Desensitization

What is Happening in the AIP?

Accessing and Reprocessing — the train is moving. Blocked memories are being accessed, unlocked, and reprocessed through adaptive memory networks.

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AIP MODEL

Memory Links Into More Adaptive Networks

Isolated traumatic memories connect to broader, healthier memory networks — enabling new perspective, emotion, and meaning.

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PHASE 4

Client Feedback After Each DAS Set

After every set of Dual Attention Stimulation (DAS), pause and invite the client to share whatever they noticed — images, sensations, emotions, or thoughts.

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PHASE 4

Two Key Questions

When to Return to Target?

After 2 neutral or positive responses, no change, end of channel, or when therapist is lost.

When to Take a SUD?

When processing feels near completion — especially when stuck at 1 or 2, or checking for blocking beliefs or feeder memories.

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PROCEDURE

Desensitization: DAS Protocol

Begin Immediately

Start DAS right after Phase 3 assessment

15–30 Seconds

Approximately 24 passes per set

As Fast As Tolerable

Calibrate speed to client's window of tolerance

Stop Mid-Movement

End eye movement sets in the middle of a pass

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FEEDBACK

Asking for Feedback

Keep it general and open — never leading. Stop DAS and ask:

"What are you noticing now?"

"Go with that." or "Notice that."

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PROCESSING SIGNS

How to Recognize Active Processing

Memory network changes channels of association — here's what to watch for:

Images & Emotions

Images shift or fade; emotional tone changes

Sensations

Location or intensity of body sensations moves

Thoughts & Beliefs

Associations to beliefs and past experiences emerge

Perspective Shifts

More adult perspective becomes accessible

The memory itself changes — that is the hallmark of successful processing.

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PHASE 4

Types of Processing

Visual

Images shift, fade, or transform

Emotional

Intensity rises and releases

Physical Sensations

Body-held distress moves and resolves

Clusters & Other Emotions

Associated memories and feelings surface

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KID ADAPTATIONS

Phase 4 with Children

Movement & Engagement

Incorporate movement; keep it entertaining and playful

Caregiver Involvement

Involve trusted caregivers to boost felt safety

Shorter Sets + Creative Expression

Frequent breaks; use storytelling, drawing, and scribbling

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PHASE 4 NAVIGATION

Handling Memories As They Arise

Therapist as Container

Use specific tools. Stay connected while maintaining boundaries. Stay out of the way of the client's natural processing.

When Info Isn't Moving

Assess for safety. Check presence and attunement. Use social engagement strategies. Return to target.

Return to Target When…

2 neutral or positive responses; no change; feels different; therapist is lost; end of channel.

Taking a SUD

When nearing end of processing. Getting from 1 to 0. Stuck at 1–2. Check for blocking belief or feeder memory.

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PHASE 4

Feeder Memories

An earlier memory — not previously discovered — that is connected to the current target and feeding the disturbance.

When processing stalls, a feeder memory may be the root. Identify it, address it as a new target if needed.

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BLOCKING BELIEFS

What Are Blocking Beliefs?

A belief that differs from the NC — it actively prevents successful reprocessing.

(These are often also "Answers" that need processing.)

Examples

It's not safe to feel safe
I need to feel anxious to achieve
I will lose connection if I heal
I don't deserve to feel happy

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BLOCKING BELIEFS

What To Do With Blocking Beliefs

Notice the Belief

Have the client hold the blocking belief and run a DAS set — many will process out naturally

Connect to Origin

If it persists, explore when this belief was learned — it may become a new processing target

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GETTING UNSTUCK

What if You're Stuck?

1

Change Mechanics

Switch DAS modality — try tapping or audio instead of eye movements

2

Direct Client's Focus

Gently redirect attention to image, emotion, or body sensation

3

Return to Target

Bring the client back to the original target memory

4

Check for Blocks

Assess for a blocking belief or feeder memory

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ABREACTIONS

Intense Emotional Processing

Abreactions are intense emotional releases — a sign the system is working. The therapist's role is to stay present, regulated, and contain without interrupting natural processing.

Continue DAS through an abreaction when possible. The client is processing, not destabilizing.

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KEY PRINCIPLE

The Answer Will Resurface.

Trust the process. Whatever surfaces during reprocessing phases is what needs to be seen. Stay curious, stay open.

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Phase 4 Complete

Once you receive a SUD of 0 twice, Phase 4 is complete. Move forward to Phase 5: Installation.

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Phase 5: Installation

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PHASE 5

Installation: What It Is

Activating & Linking Positive

Connect the Positive Cognition to the target memory through continued DAS

Still Reprocessing

Phase 5 is reprocessing — now linking into the positive network

Unresolved Material Surfaces

Anything that doesn't resonate with the PC will emerge to be processed

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PHASE 5

DAS in Installation: Still Long and Fast

Don't reduce pace or length during Installation. DAS remains long and fast — the reprocessing work continues as the positive cognition strengthens.

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INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

Step 1: Check the Positive Cognition

After Phase 4, the PC may have evolved. Ask:

"When you bring up that original incident, do the words ___ (repeat the PC) still fit, or is there now a better statement?"

It's common for a more adaptive, resonant PC to emerge after desensitization.

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INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

Steps 2 & 3: VOC Check + DAS

2

Check the VOC

"Think about the original incident and those words ___ (repeat PC). From 1 (completely false) to 7 (completely true), how true do they feel now?"

3

Link PC + Target + DAS

"Think about the original incident and those words ___ (repeat PC) and follow my fingers."

Continue DAS sets until the VOC reaches 7 or an ecological maximum.

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Phase 6: Body Scan

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PHASE 6

Body Scan: Purpose & Approach

Purpose

Process residual disturbance held in the body after Phase 5

Timing

Completed after Phase 5 is fully done; DAS remains long and fast

Focus

Client scans their body from head downward for tension or unusual sensation

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BODY SCAN PROCEDURE

Body Scan: Step by Step

Continue DAS Body Focus

Scan head to toe while holding the original memory and PC.

Stop if Intensity Worsens

Pause and check for new material if sensations increase significantly.

Session Incomplete if Stopped

Repeat or reschedule if the full body scan is not completed.

"Close your eyes and keep in mind the original memory and the PC, then bring your attention to the different parts of your body, starting with your head and working downward. Any tension, tightness or unusual sensation — tell me."

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KID ADAPTATIONS

Phase 6 with Children

Magnifying Glass or Wand

Use a prop to help children "scan" their body in a playful, concrete way

Sand Tray

Externalize body sensations through expressive sand tray work

Draw on Body Outline or Art

Children mark where they feel sensations on a drawn body — creative and grounding

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Phase 7: Closure

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PHASE 7

2 Types of Closure

Complete Session

SUD = 0, VOC = 7, clear Body Scan. Savor and celebrate the work done.

Incomplete Session

SUD > 0, VOC < 7, no clear Body Scan. Stabilize and contain before leaving.

Closure applies to all sessions — complete or incomplete. Goal: client leaves stable and present.

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COMPLETE SESSION

Closure: When Session Is Complete

SUD = 0 · VOC = 7 · Clear Body Scan

Express Wants & Needs

Invite the client to name what they're feeling and what they need right now

Encourage & Connect

Affirm the courage and effort the client brought to the session

Savor the Results

Give space to be present with the positive shift that occurred

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INCOMPLETE SESSION

Closure: When Session Is Incomplete

SUD > 0 · VOC < 7 · No clear Body Scan

1

Leave 10 Minutes for Closure

Plan ahead — don't let an incomplete session run to the last second

2

No SUD Check

Do not take a SUD in an incomplete closure — avoid reopening processing

3

Add Stabilization if Needed

More resources may be needed before reading the closure statement

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INCOMPLETE SESSION SCRIPT

What to Say: Incomplete Closure

"We are almost out of time and we will need to stop soon. You have done some very good work and I appreciate the effort you have made. What feels like the most important thing you have learned about or for yourself today?"

If stabilization is needed before closing:

"I would like to suggest we do a relaxation exercise (or container) before we stop. I suggest we ___." Then read the closing statement.

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COMPLETE SESSION SCRIPT

What to Say: Complete Closure

"The processing we have done today may continue after the session. You may or may not notice new insights, thoughts, memories or dreams. It is normal. If so, just notice what you are experiencing — and if you wish, record it on the Memories and Lies chart. Please continue to practice your resources and contact me if you need to."

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BETWEEN SESSIONS TOOL

Closure: The Memories and Lies Chart

A powerful tool for clients to use between Phases 7 and 8 — helping them track what surfaces after processing and build awareness between sessions.

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MEMORIES AND LIES

The Core Insight

01

It's a Memory

What happened is in the past — it is a memory, not the present reality

02

The Conclusion Was Not True

The belief we drew about ourselves from that memory was distorted — it was a lie

03

Awareness Expands

Recognizing this helps when triggered — expanding window of tolerance and resilience

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"Anything that keeps us from being a shining star is either a lie or a memory."

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KID ADAPTATIONS

Phase 7 with Children

With the Child

Practice a resource together before ending the session — ground and anchor the positive work.

Remind the Caregiver

Continue practicing resources at home
Behaviors may temporarily get worse — this is normal
Make a plan together for how to respond

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PRACTICUM

Closure: Practicum Reminders

1

Just Read It

Read the closure statement as written — don't improvise

2

Don't Do Other Therapies

Stay in the EMDR protocol during practicum

3

Prepare to Be Interrupted

Trainers may step in — this is part of the learning experience

4

Call Us Before Stopping

For incomplete sessions, bring in a trainer before closing

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PRACTICUM NOTE

Practice is required.

Personal growth is not required — but it is welcome. Engage with the practicum as a professional learning experience, not a personal therapy session.

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PRACTICUM

Instructions for Practicing Reprocessing Phases

1

Follow the Protocol

Use Phase 3 through 7 in sequence as trained

2

Use Real Targets

Practice with low-disturbance, appropriate targets — stay within your training level

3

Debrief After Each Round

Discuss what happened, what felt uncertain, and what you noticed as therapist

4

Ask for Support

Trainers are here — call them in whenever you need guidance