Standard EMDR Protocol vs. Modified Protocol: Key Considerations for Therapists

Standard EMDR Protocol vs. Modified Protocol: Key Considerations for Therapists

As an EMDR therapist, I frequently receive inquiries from consultees about the application of Modified EMDR Protocols with clients. While I acknowledge that Modified Protocols can be beneficial in certain cases, I still find the Standard EMDR Protocol to be both efficient and effective most of the time. It’s essential for EMDR therapists to consider several factors before opting for a Modified EMDR Protocol.

Understanding Your Motivation for Using a Modified Protocol

First and foremost, it’s crucial to reflect on your reasoning for wanting to use a Modified EMDR Protocol. In many instances, consultees consider a modified approach due to a client’s diagnosis. I encourage you to assess the client’s symptoms through the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. Determine if the pathogenic memories identified can be processed with the standard protocol or if a modified protocol is necessary.

Evaluating the Standard Protocol’s Effectiveness

Before transitioning to a Modified EMDR Protocol, it’s essential to evaluate whether the standard protocol has been tried with the client and if it can be effective. Often, the standard protocol is sufficient for addressing the client’s needs. However, there are scenarios where a modified protocol might be warranted. I typically resort to a modified protocol for a few reasons:

– Concerns about the client’s ability to remain within the window of tolerance due to high Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD).

– Previous difficulties with processing using the standard protocol.

Proper Training and Consultation

If you decide that a modified protocol is clinically appropriate, it’s imperative to ensure you have the proper training to use the protocol effectively. Additionally, seeking consultation for case-specific guidance can be immensely helpful.

Beyond Protocols: Holistic Healing with EMDR Therapy

It’s important to remember that EMDR therapy is more than just identifying memories and reprocessing them with a specific protocol. The ultimate goal of EMDR therapy is to help clients heal by:

– Recalibrating the autonomic nervous system.

– Enhancing their view of self.

– Improving their awareness of the present state of being.

By keeping these broader therapeutic goals in mind, you can ensure that your use of EMDR, whether with a standard or modified protocol, is truly in service of your client’s healing journey.

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Dr. Amber Quaranta-Leech, LPC-S

Amber holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Regent University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Texas and Oklahoma and holds Supervisor credential for Texas. Amber is an EMDRIA consultant and trainer. She has over a decade of experience in the trauma field in work with uniformed services, domestic violence, childhood trauma and abuse, and recent mass trauma events. Amber provides consultation for EMDRIA certification, for consultants-in-training, and supervision for LPC-Associates. Amber continues to research the benefits of EMDR therapy with a variety of populations. Her goal is to help build strong clinicians who are well versed in trauma interventions to better support their clients. Amber sees a limited number of clients with a focus on trauma work, she is also a Certified Career Counselor and Certified through EAGALA to provide equine-assisted therapy. 

Dr. Jose Carbajal, LCSW

Dr. Jose Carbajal, a U.S. Army veteran, earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work and a master’s in theological studies from Baylor University, and a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. With over 15 years of clinical experience and extensive teaching experience, Jose specializes in trauma, sexual abuse recovery, domestic violence, and substance abuse. His research focuses on trauma interventions, neuroscience, and faith. He is EMDR Certified, an Approved Consultant, and an EMDRIA Approved Trainer, with numerous publications and professional presentations to his name.

Dr. Amanda Martin, LMFT-S, LPC, BCN

Amanda Martin holds a PhD in Family Therapy and is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor, and EMDRIA Approved Consultant. With over 14 years of experience, she specializes in trauma therapy for individuals and families in residential and outpatient settings. Amanda also provides supervision for EMDR certification, EMDR consultants-in-training, and LMFT-Associates. Her mission is to help people find a healthy, joyful, and fulfilling path in life. Her warm, supportive, and interactive counseling style incorporates Symbolic Experiential Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, HeartMath, Animal-Assisted Therapy, Neurofeedback, and Collaborative Problem Solving.

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