Designed for: EMDR therapists providing psychoeducation during Phase 1 and Phase 2 of treatment.
Use this tool to: Explain trauma memory formation, normalize client experiences, and introduce the role of EMDR in helping the brain process difficult experiences.
About Cannon Psychology, Inc.: APA-approved sponsor providing evidence-based EMDR continuing education, treatment planning tools, and clinician resources.
About the Digital Download
This clinician guide provides accessible explanations and visual examples that help clients understand why traumatic memories can feel “stuck” and why certain triggers may continue to activate emotional reactions long after the original event has passed. Drawing from the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, the guide explains how overwhelming experiences may be stored in fragmented forms such as images, emotions, body sensations, and beliefs. It also introduces how EMDR therapy activates memory networks and supports the brain’s natural capacity to integrate these experiences into a more adaptive narrative. This resource can be used during psychoeducation sessions, preparation phases of treatment, or when clients are first learning about EMDR. This resource is intended for educational and informational purposes for licensed mental health professionals. It is not a substitute for formal EMDR training, clinical supervision, consultation, or independent clinical judgment. Clinicians are responsible for determining the appropriateness of all interventions based on each client’s individual needs and circumstances.