EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It can be used to deal with traumatic experiences/painful memories, and/or to strengthen a safe place and/or develop internal resources. Significant research has established EMDR as effective for the treatment of post-traumatic stress, phobias, panic attacks, anxiety, stress, sexual and physical abuse, negative body image, disturbing memories, complicated grief and addictions.

EMDR is a structured intervention. The counsellor follows a script that will ask you to think of an image that represents what you are working on (i.e. a negative belief or experience). Throughout the session they will ask you questions that encourage you to notice your emotions, body sensations, and thoughts you have about the event. They will also ask you what you would like to believe about yourself, and ask you questions to rate your level of belief and disturbance throughout the session. Your counsellor may take notes during the session.

At certain times in the session your counsellor will use “bi-lateral stimulation” [BLS] – tapping, auditory tones, or eye movements – as you notice a memory, feeling, or thought. You aren’t expected to stay with those thoughts, but rather to simply notice them and move on. BLS, which occurs naturally during REM phases of sleep, helps the two brain hemispheres work together to reintegrate the memory, and store it in a more appropriate place in the brain. The memory is remembered, but the painful emotions, physical sensations, and disturbing images and thoughts are no longer present. Each set of bi-lateral stimulation will likely last less than 30 seconds and your counsellor will likely do multiple sets in a session.

Reprocessing a memory may bring up associated memories. This is normal, and those memories will also be processed. You may need to end a session before the issue is resolved, in which case your counsellor will help you develop coping skills to close up the sessions until your next meeting.

Be able to tolerate high levels of emotional disturbance and be able to use self control and relaxation techniques (e.g. calm place exercise)

Remember debriefing instructions and call their counsellor, connect with supportive family or friends, or use meditation or other techniques if needed.

Disclose to the counsellor and consult with their physician before EMDR therapy if they have a history of or current eye problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, at risk for or history of stroke, heart attack, seizure, or other medical risk. Due to possible stress related to EMDR, pregnant women should consider postponing treatment.

Inform the counsellor if they are wearing contact lenses. Contact removal may be necessary if they impede eye movements, due to irritation or eye dryness. The counsellor will discontinue BLS eye movements if client reports eye pain and use other dual stimulation (tapping, sounds) to continue the reprocessing.

Disclose an upcoming legal court case where testimony is required. EMDR may need to be postponed if the client is a victim, or witness, to a crime that is being prosecuted. This is because the traumatic material processed during EMDR may fade, blur or disappear and their testimony may be challenged.

Consult with their medical doctor before utilizing medication. Some medications may reduce the effectiveness of EMDR. (E.g. benzodiazepines)

Address with the counsellor their ability to attend to EMDR due to recent cocaine dependence, long term amphetamine use, seizures, and/or neurological conditions. EMDR is contraindicated with recent crack cocaine users and long term amphetamine users.

Discuss with the therapist any Dissociative Disorders (ie: Dissociative Identity Disorder), unexplained somatic symptoms, sleep problems, flashbacks, derealisation and/or depersonalization, hearing voices, unexplained feelings, memory lapses, multiple psychiatric hospitalizations, or multiple diagnoses with little treatment progress – EMDR may trigger these symptoms.

Your counsellor will work with you to create a calm place in your mind, and will build your resources before utilizing EMDR techniques. However, EMDR may result in experiencing memories or images that you did not expect, or that create powerful feelings and sensations. Although this can be uncomfortable in the moment, it is usually temporary. You may continue to process memories and emotions outside of the session. If you have a history of substance abuse, or self harm behaviour, it may trigger urges to engage in these behaviours again.

Due to the level of processing that may occur in EMDR it is recommended that you do not schedule a session immediately before job interviews, exams or presentations. There are no known adverse effects of interrupting EMDR; therefore, a client can discontinue sessions at any time.

Your counsellor may participate in face-to-face, or on-line group, consultation. Your counsellor will not utilize your name or exact age, but may share information regarding images, body sensations, cognitions, and some details regarding the nature of the issue you are working on. The purpose of consultation is to ensure your counsellor utilizes EMDR appropriately and effectively. Feedback will be provided to your counsellor on strategies and techniques to improve their effectiveness in EMDR.

I have read the Informed Consent, I understand it and agree to engage in EMDR as outlined in this document.

I agree to my child engaging in EMDR, and recognize the points in this document may apply to their experience as well.

I acknowledge that typing my name below, and/or my child's name, represents my signature and completes this document.