Phase 5 of EMDR, Installation
If you’ve been following my blogs on each of the 8 phases of EMDR, you’ve likely learned all about the first 4 phases. In phase 4, we focused on desensitization of the traumatic memory, lowering the distress level to a 0 or 1 out of 10. In phase 5, the Installation Phase, we are taking what the client has accomplished in phase 4 and focusing our attention on aligning with a positive belief that the client now identifies with, and strengthening its connection with the client’s view of themselves.
Why Is Phase 5 Important?
Now that phase 4 has lowered distress to a distress level of a 0 or 1, the client’s perception of the event and themselves will have shifted. If the client felt “I am trapped” before beginning phase 4 when they thought about the traumatic memory, then after phase 4, they might find themselves feeling “I can create my own sense of safety” or “I have options.” Or if they felt “I am insignificant” before phase 4, after desensitization, they might feel “I am worthy” or “I am important.”
These positive beliefs aren’t fed to the client, rather the client begins to feel this themselves from within as a result of the deep work of insight, learning, and reflection during phase 4.
How Phase 5 Works in Session
Once the distress level for the traumatic memory has been reduced to 0 or 1 in phase 4, the therapist guides the client into phase 5.
The therapist will guide the client to determine if there is a positive belief that the client aligns best with how they feel when they think of the now desensitized traumatic memory.
The client then rates how true this belief feels (Validity of Cognition, or VOC) when they pair it with the traumatic memory, on a scale from 0-7, 7 being completely true
If the client reports a VOC of less than a 7, the therapist guides the client through bilateral stimulation to process the thoughts and feelings that are blocking this belief from feeling completely true. Bilateral stimulation and processing continues until the positive belief feels completely true to the client
By the end of phase 5, many clients describe feeling lighter or more empowered after connecting their traumatic memory with a positive belief that they have authentically connected to through processing.
Summary
Phase 5 of EMDR is where clients often begin to reclaim their sense of self as it relates to the processed memory. It’s where empowerment starts to replace hopelessness, and past narratives of not feeling good enough reveal new strengths and abilities.
If you have questions about phase 5 of EMDR, or are interested in EMDR therapy, please feel free to send me a message or schedule a free consultation.