An EMDR Therapy Primer

This essential, user-friendly guide offers clear explanations, practical applications, and real-life case examples to navigate and apply the eight phases of EMDR therapy.

Barbara Hensley’s An EMDR Therapy Primer: From Practicum to Practice provides aspiring and experienced clinicians with a step-by-step overview of the foundations of EMDR therapy. It helps maximize preparation and skills in using EMDR safely, confidently, and effectively by offering a clear presentation of the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, EMDR principles, protocols, and procedures.

The fourth edition is fully revised to offer a blend of text, clinical examples, and derailment possibilities, making it easy to understand and apply the eight phases of EMDR therapy. This book provides practical guidance for clinicians as they navigate the therapy process with clients. Chapters include real-life case studies, dialogues, and transcripts, offering valuable insights into the treatment rationale and helping clinicians anticipate and manage various situations during sessions. Purchase includes online access via most mobile devices or computers.

New to the Fourth Edition:

• New and updated tables, including material on the evolution of EMDR therapy.


• New questions at the end of each chapter reinforce important concepts.


• Additional information on using EMDR therapy with children, including hints, tips, and scripts.


• Phrases from Dr. Francine Shapiro drive home critical points in the text.

Key Features:

• Explores a clear and concise review of EMDR, covering the AIP model and the three-pronged approach in easy-to-understand, conversational language.


• Explains the eight phases of EMDR, with detailed examples to aid in comprehension and application.


• Utilizes practical strategies and techniques for managing complex clients, intense emotional responses, and processing obstacles.


• Examines real-life case histories, dialogues, and session transcripts, along with explanations of the treatment rationale.


• Applies practical hints, tips, and precautions for using EMDR therapy, including guidance for teletherapy sessions.


• Illustrates examples throughout the book to provide practical insights and enhance understanding.