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Original RDI Protocol

1. The document describes the basic EMDR RDI protocol for developing resources in patients. It involves identifying needed resources, exploring different types of positive resources through experiences, relationships, and symbols, accessing sensory details of the resources, checking that the resources feel positive, installing the resources using bilateral stimulation, and strengthening the link between the resources and future challenges. 2. The protocol guides patients to identify strengths they want to develop, think of empowering past experiences and role models, and connect with symbolic resources using all senses. Bilateral stimulation is used to install and reinforce the positive associations. 3. The goal is to establish internal resources and templates to help patients effectively cope with future challenges by feeling grounded, confident, and connected

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50 views

Original RDI Protocol

1. The document describes the basic EMDR RDI protocol for developing resources in patients. It involves identifying needed resources, exploring different types of positive resources through experiences, relationships, and symbols, accessing sensory details of the resources, checking that the resources feel positive, installing the resources using bilateral stimulation, and strengthening the link between the resources and future challenges. 2. The protocol guides patients to identify strengths they want to develop, think of empowering past experiences and role models, and connect with symbolic resources using all senses. Bilateral stimulation is used to install and reinforce the positive associations. 3. The goal is to establish internal resources and templates to help patients effectively cope with future challenges by feeling grounded, confident, and connected

Uploaded by

docandydocs
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1470 Journal of Clinical Psychology, December 2002

The Basic EMDR RDI Protocol


RDI is a creative and flexible procedure that must be adapted to the unique needs of each
patient. The following is a general script.

1. Identifying Needed Resources

“I’d like you to think about a particularly challenging situation in your current life.
Perhaps you would want to think about therapy and the challenge of facing your trauma.
Perhaps you’re facing a challenging situation with a particular person in your life. When
you think about this situation, what qualities, resources, or strengths are you missing?
What do you need? What would you like to believe about yourself in this situation? How
would you like to feel?”
Possible answers are: “I’d like to feel stronger, safer, more connected, more grounded,
more confident, more courageous, more self-trusting, more hopeful, more determined,
more flexible. I need to strengthen my sense of commitment to this process of healing. I
want to believe in myself. I want to be able to soothe myself. I want to be able to tolerate
and manage my feelings. I want to have better boundaries. I want to feel lovable.”

2. Resource Development—Exploring Various Types of Resources


Mastery Experiences and Images. “Think of a time when you felt _______ (i.e.,
strong, safe, confident, soothed, able to tolerate your feelings). Think of a time when your
were able to behave with more _______ (i.e., courage, self-trust, flexibility). What expe-
riences capture that desired quality or feeling?” Are there parts of yourself that you rely
on (i.e., your wise self, professional self, warrior self ). Can you see an image of yourself
in the future possessing the qualities or resources that you desire?

Relational Resources (Models and Supportive Figures). “Think of people in your


life, now or in the past, who possess or embody this quality. Think of who you would
want in your corner, cheering you on, coaching you, helping you to feel _______ (i.e.,
stronger, supported, more confident, etc.). Think about friends, relatives, teachers, care-
givers, therapists. Think of any people out there in the world who possess or embody this
quality, who serve or could serve as a role model for you (i.e., TV stars, public figures, or
characters in books, movies, or cartoons). Think about your mentors, people who have
made a difference in your life. Do you have a spiritual guide, someone or something that
gives you hope or strength along the way? Are there any animals or pets that you asso-
ciate with these positive feelings or qualities?”

Metaphors and Symbolic Resources. “Think of any other images, symbols, or met-
aphors that would help you to feel ________ (i.e., soothed, loved, connected, protected,
contained, peaceful, etc.). Think of any positive images or symbols that have come up in
your artwork, dreams or daydreams, or guided imagery exercises (i.e., a strong yet flex-
ible tree).”

3. Resource Development—Accessing More Information

(Working with one resource image or association at a time . . . ) “When you think about
that ________ (i.e., experience, person, symbol, etc.), what do you see? What do you
Stabilization of Complex PTSD 1471

hear? What do you smell? What emotions do you notice as you focus on this image or
memory? What sensations do you experience in your body?

4. Checking the Resource

“When you focus on _________ (repeat description of image) and notice the _________
(repeat description of feelings, sensations, smells, sounds, etc.), how do you feel?” (Check
whether the association is, in fact, positive. Verify whether patient can attend to and
tolerate a connection to the resource without negative associations or affects.)

5. Resource Installation

“Now, focus on _________ (repeat the patient’s verbatim description of the image and
associated emotions and sensations) and follow my fingers (or tones, lights, taps, etc.)”
(The clinician then provides several short sets of bilateral stimulation with 6–12 com-
plete movements in each set. After each set of bilateral stimulation, the clinician makes a
general inquiry.) “What are you feeling or noticing now?” (The bilateral stimulation is
not continued if the patient reports negative associations or affect. The negative material
is either contained imaginally (i.e., in a box, vault, etc. before proceeding or the process
is started over with an alternate resource association).

6. Strengthening the Resource—Linking with Verbal or Sensory Cues

“Imagine going a step further in connecting with this resource. As you remember that
experience (i.e., for mastery experiences), what are the most positive words you can say
about yourself now? Imagine that person (i.e., for models or supportive figures) standing
near you and offering you what you need. Imagine that he or she knows exactly what to
say to you, exactly what you need to hear. Imagine merging with this person or stepping
right into his or her body. Imagine holding this resource (i.e., for a metaphoric or sym-
bolic resource) in your hands. Imagine being surrounded by this image or feeling. Breathe
this feeling in. Notice where you feel the positive quality in your body.” (Continue with
sets of bilateral stimulation as long as processing appears helpful.)

7. Establishing a Future Template

“Think about possessing this resource in the future as you face _________ (describe
the challenging situation identified earlier). Imagine possessing the _________ (i.e., cour-
age, strength, boundaries) you need to cope effectively. Imagine feeling _________ (i.e.,
confident, peaceful, grounded) in the scene. Imagine feeling connected with _________
(i.e., name their supportive person or relational resource) as you face this challenging
situation. Notice what that would be like for you. Hear your resource person saying
exactly what you need to hear. Feel your resource (i.e., for metaphoric or symbolic
resources) in just the way you need to feel it. Be aware of your resource in just the way
you need to experience it.” (Continue with short sets of bilateral stimulation as long as
processing appears helpful).
This process may be repeated for each of the qualities the patient wants to strengthen.
In future sessions, the clinician should check resources that have been installed as well as
the patient’s written log for any feedback. When the patient is ready for stage two, trauma-
focused work, the clinician can begin the session by first bringing in and strengthening

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