Are you looking for a different approach to trauma therapy? Or are you an EMDR-trained therapist interested in expanding your clinical skills with EMDR 2.0?
EMDR 2.0 is an enhanced approach to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) that incorporates additional working-memory tasks during trauma processing. It offers another approach for clinicians to consider when working with distressing memories while maintaining an emphasis on individualized treatment, preparation, and clinical judgment.
I offer EMDR therapy for children, adolescents, and adults in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, as well as EMDR consultation for clinicians interested in developing their skills. EMDR 2.0 is an absolute game changer when it comes to not only trauma treatment, but quicker healing.
Taxing the working memory is how EMDR 2.0 works. The beauty of this technique lies in the brain’s limited capacity to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. As you retrieve a memory from long-term storage, you are also engaging in multitasking while keeping your attention on the target memory. This creates a high cognitive demand, which can temporarily overwhelm the brain’s processing capacity. As the brain works to manage these competing demands, the memory may be reprocessed and stored back in long-term memory with reduced emotional distress.
What might this look like in practice?
You might close your eyes and focus on a distressing image while performing a complex bilateral tapping pattern. Or, you might do a two-step dance while following bilateral light movements, then spell a word backward or tell me about an invention. It may sound a little crazy, right? But these seemingly unrelated tasks are designed to challenge your brain’s processing capacity while you focus on the target memory. That’s the fascinating part of EMDR 2.0! When you continue this task throughout the session, that original target memory naturally becomes less distressing!
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR 2.0
Is EMDR 2.0 evidence-based?
Traditional EMDR has a substantial research base, particularly for PTSD. EMDR 2.0 builds on established EMDR principles and incorporates working-memory taxation. Research specifically examining EMDR 2.0 is developing, so its evidence base should not be assumed to be identical to that of the standard EMDR protocol. Standard EMDR and EMDR 2.0 both are very effective in not only treating PTSD, but also phobias, anxiety, depression, low self esteem, & more!
Is EMDR 2.0 faster than traditional EMDR?
Some clients may experience changes in the vividness or emotional intensity of a target memory during processing. Most clients do report moving through target memories at a faster pace when compared to standard protocol. However, EMDR 2.0 does not guarantee faster treatment or fewer sessions. Treatment length varies according to the person's history, goals, clinical needs, and response.
How do I know if EMDR 2.0 is right for me?
The best starting point is a consultation with a qualified therapist who can discuss your history, current symptoms, treatment preferences, and readiness for trauma processing. You can ask about the clinician's EMDR training and experience with the concerns you want to address.
EMDR 2.0 Consultation for Therapists
Are you an EMDR-trained therapist who wants to learn more about EMDR 2.0 and its clinical applications?
Developing confidence with EMDR involves more than knowing the phases of the protocol. Clinicians must also consider case conceptualization, treatment planning, client readiness, appropriate target selection, and how to respond when processing becomes complicated.
EMDR consultation offers a space to explore clinical questions, reflect on your work, and strengthen your understanding of EMDR interventions.
As an EMDR consultant, I offer consultation for clinicians who want to deepen their EMDR practice and explore advanced clinical applications, including EMDR 2.0 techniques.
Consultation may be useful for therapists who want to:
Better understand the principles behind EMDR 2.0.
Explore how working-memory taxation may be incorporated into appropriate cases.
Strengthen EMDR case conceptualization and treatment planning.
Discuss client readiness, stabilization, and pacing.
Explore clinical decision-making when a client feels stuck in processing.
Consider how dissociation, protective responses, and emotional regulation affect treatment planning.
Expand their clinical reasoning when selecting and adapting interventions.
Interested in becoming a client and seeing if EMDR 2.0 is a good fit? Or are you a therapist interested in EMDR Consultation? Let’s connect!
