Frequently Asked Questions of Providers

Adjunct EMDR is a short-term, focused approach in which an EMDR therapist targets specific memories, traumas, or performance blocks while the client maintains a primary therapeutic relationship elsewhere.

The adjunct EMDR therapist:

• Focuses on EMDR assessment, stabilization skills and reprocessing
• Communicates and coordinates with the primary therapist (required and with consent)
• Does not replace the primary therapist
• Works toward clearly defined targets and goals outlined in the treatment plan

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a well-researched, effective therapy for trauma and distressing life experiences. While some people receive EMDR within their primary therapy, others benefit from adjunct EMDR, where EMDR is provided by a separate clinician while the client continues ongoing work with their primary therapist.

Adjunct EMDR can be a powerful option when used collaboratively and thoughtfully.

Adjunct EMDR may be a good fit for clients who:

Have a Primary Therapist They Trust

• The client has an established therapeutic relationship
• The primary therapist supports adjunct EMDR
• There is openness to collaboration between providers

Have Specific, Targetable Concerns

Examples include:

• Single-incident trauma
• Distressing memories that feel “stuck”
• Performance anxiety (e.g., first responders, medical professionals, athletes)
• Phobias or specific fears
• Negative beliefs rooted in past experiences

Are Emotionally Stable Enough for Trauma Work

Clients generally:

• Have basic coping skills
• Can tolerate discussing difficult material
• Are not in acute crisis or active instability
• Have some ability to self-soothe between sessions

Want Focused Trauma Processing

• They are motivated to address root memories
• They want a structured, evidence-based approach
• They understand EMDR can be emotionally activating

Adjunct EMDR may need careful consideration or additional preparation if:

• The client is in active crisis or unsafe environments
• There is severe dissociation without stabilization
• There is active substance dependence interfering with processing
• The client lacks external supports
• The primary therapist is not supportive of collaboration
• The client has chronic trauma or multiple traumatic experiences that may require a primary therapist who is trained in EMDR, not two separate therapists.  

In some cases, preparation, stabilization, or integrated therapy may be recommended first.

If you are a therapist referring for adjunct EMDR:

Appropriate Referrals Include

• Clients who are stable and resourced
• Clients with clear target memories
• Clients requesting EMDR specifically
• Clients “stuck” in talk therapy around trauma material

Helpful Information to Share

With client consent:

• Treatment goals
• Relevant history
• Safety concerns
• Known triggers or dissociation patterns

Ongoing Collaboration

Best outcomes occur when:

• Roles are clearly defined
• Communication is respectful and periodic
• The primary therapist continues broader treatment work

We view adjunct EMDR as a partnership. Our role is to:

• Provide skilled EMDR reprocessing
• Maintain clear treatment boundaries
• Communicate with referring therapists
• Support the client’s overall therapeutic goals
• Successful termination and discontinued EMDR therapy