DBT and Dissociation-Informed EMDR

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Treatment Program Information

What Is DBT and Dissociation Informed EMDR?

🌿 DBT + Dissociation-Informed EMDR (Individual & Group)

Our DBT and Dissociation-Informed EMDR services are designed for clients who want trauma treatment that is structured and stabilizing—especially when trauma symptoms include dissociation, emotional flooding, shutdown, or feeling “stuck.” We integrate DBT skills to support emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and relationship stability while using EMDR to help the brain and body fully process unresolved traumatic experiences.

🧠 EMDR Therapy Phases (8-Phase Model)

EMDR follows a clear, evidence-based structure:

  1. 🗂️ History & Treatment Planning

  2. 🧰 Preparation & Stabilization (grounding, resourcing, safety skills)

  3. 🎯 Assessment (target selection and identifying beliefs, emotions, body sensations)

  4. 🔄 Desensitization (reprocessing using bilateral stimulation)

  5. 🌱 Installation (strengthening a preferred adaptive belief)

  6. 🧍 Body Scan (clearing remaining somatic distress)

  7. 🕯️ Closure (returning to stability and safety at the end of session)

  8. 🔎 Reevaluation (checking progress and selecting next targets)

🤝 How EMDR Group Works

When EMDR is offered in a group format, clients complete Phases 1–2 individually with their therapist to ensure readiness, safety, and strong stabilization skills. The group then focuses on Phases 3–8, providing a supportive, structured space for guided processing, skill use, and integration—while continuing to prioritize pacing, consent, and nervous system safety throughout.

Clients participating in EMDR group are welcome to continue meeting with their individual DBT therapist and/or dissociation-informed provider while they do this work, ensuring consistent support, skills coaching, and ongoing stabilization throughout the trauma processing process.