An EMDR Therapy Primer: From Practicum to Practice

by Barbara J. Hensley

""With this Second Edition of" An EMDR Therapy Primer, "Dr. Hensley has created a very clear step-by-step guide to assist the newly trained EMDR clinician. Not only will it help transition training into practice but also help those trained earlier who are looking to update their skills. I highly recommend this book for any EMDR clinician wanting to assure fidelity to the model and methods."" --Rosalie Thomas, RN, PhD

""I believe that Dr. Hensley has written a book that is simple, basic, and can mentor therapists who are EMDR trained and yet intimidatedO.This book brings us back to the basics."" --Jennifer Lendl, PhD

This is a step-by-step overview of the foundations of EMDR Therapy presented in easily accessible, conversational language. It helps both new and experienced clinicians to maximize their preparation and skills in using EMDR safely, confidently, and effectively. The second edition is fully revised to reflect the evolution of EMDR to an integrative psychotherapeutic approach and is intended for use as a companion to Francine Shapirois seminal EMDR texts. It has been enriched with several new case histories along with extensive examples of successful EMDR reprocessing sessions. An abundance of new information addresses EMD versus EMDR; research on the mechanism, model, and methodology of EMDR Therapy; bilateral stimulation; ancillary targets; the why and the how of many key EMDR Therapy components; protocol for single and recent traumatic events; updated information about the cognitive interweave, future templates; and much, much more.

The book provides concise coverage of the AIP model and EMDR principles, protocols, and procedures and addresses the types of targets accessed during the EMDR process. The book summarizes the Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy and the Stepping Stones of Adaptive Resolution--the components of the standard EMDR protocol. The building blocks of EMDR Therapy--past, present, and future--are assessed with regard to appropriate targeting and successful outcomes, as are abreactions, blocked processing, and cognitive interweaves. Detailed case studies demonstrate strategies to assist the client in reaching adaptive resolution of trauma.

New to the Second Completely revised and updatedReflects the evolution of EMDR to an integrative therapeutic approachExpands specialized EMDR techniquesIncludes new strategies to overcome obstaclesPresents new transcripts and case studiesProvides "Derailment Possibilities" to alert clinicians of potential obstacles to therapeutic successExtensive appendices include definitions for EMDR Therapy, EMDR Therapy scripts, and additional resources"

Genres: Professional Development

519 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 13, 2009

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are rained in EMDR and you need a resource to make your practice deeper and better resources, this is the book for you. The charts, scripts and other tools are extremely helpful and easy to reference.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are becoming certified in EMDR this is the best book to help you understand all the phases and protocols. It has case examples and a lot of great pointers. An easy go to manual.

[Terra Leigh Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHEW! This was a very dense clinical read.

I've spent most of 2025 in the process of becoming EMDRIA-certified as an EMDR therapist. I wanted to find a book to read, as I went through the process, that would help review and deepen what I learned in my Basic Training. This book was absolutely perfect for that. I also frequently took notes on questions I had from the book, and then took those questions to my consultation sessions, which was an incredibly helpful way to really consolidate the learning.

I don't think I'd recommend this book as an intro to EMDR. I have a feeling that readers/therapists would be a bit lost. But if/once you've done your Basic Training, if you want to actually dig in and really learn the modality, this is a great resource.