EMDR Therapy Phase 5 Installation: What Speed Do You Use?

EMDR Therapy trainers and master clinicians Dr. Jamie Marich and Amber Stiles-Bodnar (both of the Institute for Creative Mindfulness) share their answer to the often asked technique question, "What speed of stimulation do you use in EMDR Therapy Phase 5?"
For more information, go to: www.instituteforcreativemindfulness.com

[@erasmus9627]

As a client, I often follow my intuition to determine how quickly I move my eyes. Sometimes it's fast, and at other times it's slow. Sometimes my eyes will move diagonally, or horizontally, and even keep returning to the same point - as if signalling the need to process something that corresponds to that particular position.
I have noticed though, as you said in your video, that slower movements feel more calming, and fast movements do a better job of processing. In fact, when the processing is happening very quickly with lots of rapid images, thoughts and feelings, my eyes automatically speed up.
I do understand the need to standardise the EMDR protocols, for consistency, effectiveness and training purposes. But when Francine Shapiro discovered the healing power of bilateral eye movements during her famous walk in the woods, she was following her own intuition. That's why I think it's important for clients to develop an intuitive sense of when to speed up or down, by tapping into their brain's natural intelligence on how to calibrate the experirence.
This is not possible in the beginning, of course, when clients need close supervision (via the 8 step protocol), but over time, many of them should be encouraged to be able to self-administer the process.
Finally, Jamie and Amber, thank you for the excellent work you are doing. EMDR is such a gift to the world, and it's wonderful that bright, knowledgeable and articulate professionals like you are advancing Shapiro's work.

[@stopfemotion]

Thank you for this video!

[@leonardocosenza429]

Hi jamie! Is It possibile that when my therapist tries to install the safe place i visualize it and i can imagine the positive feelings but i don’t actually feel them? I mean the all experience is very very subtle with the slow movements, is it normal?

[@georginarandolphgirl66]

Can this help with someone who has major depression, anxiety, fear of future with past trauma of child abuse? I take medication and did some EMDR therapy but had issues with stability at a couple of times but my next session is in future fears now.

[@karenmclean4387]

I tried to listen to this video yet Amber talked so quickly and interrupted so much that I couldn't keep up with the conversation!! Dang!!