Basic Training Assessment

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy was first called EMD (Eye Movement Desensitization). p 8

True
False

As a comprehensive approach, careful attention is given to images, beliefs, emotions, physical responses, increased awareness, internal stability, resiliency, and interpersonal systems in achieving the effects of EMDR therapy. p 2

True
False

The AIP model states that maladaptive personality traits may be: p 38

The result of unprocessed experience.
Intractable.
Pathological targets.
Difficult to treat.

According to Shapiro (2018), any event that has had a lasting negative effect on the self or psyche is by its nature traumatic. p 39

True
False

In EMDR therapy, pathology is viewed in terms of maladaptive memory networks which have not been fully reprocessed and continue to be held in a state-specific form giving rise to maladaptive perceptions, behaviors, beliefs and attitudes. p 13

True
False

The AIP model provides a framework for treatment, understanding development of pathology, making associations, coming to a resolution and guiding future actions. p 26-27

True
False

Which of the following is an important premise of the AIP model? p 28

A long period of exposure to the memory of a traumatic incident is the best method for healing trauma.
Consistent client homework in between sessions is the key to therapy efficacy.
The body has an intrinsic capacity for psychological self-healing.
Teaching clients improved responses to stimuli results in improved emotion.

According to Shapiro (2018), when the information processing system is activated it is: p 28

maladaptive.
always going to result in rapid healing.
adaptive.
triggering.

Which of the following is not a hypothesis to explain the impact of eye movements on reprocessing? p 27

Dual attention taxes the working memory, ultimately lowering the disturbance of the memory.
Bilateral eye movements elicit the orienting response, engaging the parasympathetic nervous system and lowering the disturbance.
The rhythm of eye movements erases memories so that they are forgotten.
Eye movements stimulate a process similar to REM sleep.

Which of the following is not a factor in changes in the nervous system associated with psychological trauma that result in a loss of neural homeostasis: p 27

cortisol release
relaxation response
fluctuations in neurotransmitters
spikes in adrenaline

Which of the Mechanisms of Action has not been strongly supported as an explanation for EMDR therapy? p 12

Taxing Working Memory
Exposure to High Levels of Distress
REM Processes
Orienting Response

According to Shapiro (2018), research indicates that EMDR processing frequently leads to a somatic de-arousal response associated with eye movements. p 366

True
False

So far, research has shown that no medications appear to completely block EMDR processing, although benzodiazepines have been reported to reduce treatment efficacy with some clients. p 95

True
False

Francine Shapiro’s first controlled study included work with this PTSD population: p 9

Vietnam veterans
eating disordered patients
college students
National Guard

Since 1987, EMDR therapy has been empirically supported by numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and is internationally recognized as an effective treatment for trauma and a wide range of experientially based disorders. p 1

True
False

In memories that might be part of a case involving legal proceeding, which of the following is true? p 92

The client will forget what happened, thereby making their testimony unusable.
The client should avoid testifying immediately after an EMDR treatment session.
Informed consent should be used with all pertinent parties.
EMDR should not be attempted until after the legal proceeding is concluded.

According to Shapiro (2018), clinicians should be cognizant that: p 301

false memory syndrome is a well-known, widely accepted common occurrence.
limitations and distortions of memory may exist that could alter the accuracy of any memory that emerges during EMDR processing.
a light hypnotic trance is necessary and desirable during reprocessing.
children’s memories are historically accurate.

The three-pronged protocol refers to which of the following? p 216

Fears related to a traumatic event, attachment experiences with primary caregivers, and structural dissociation of the personality
Identify, target and process the earlier memories causing the problems, present experiences triggering the disturbance and the behaviors needed for adaptive future functioning
Sensory experiences related to the trauma, unacted urges and impulses related to the trauma, and emotions related to the trauma
None of the above

Delineating the client’s presenting complaint and its symptoms, initial causes, duration, and additional past occurrences occurs during which Phase? p 98-100

Phase 3 – Assessment
Phase 2 – Preparation
Phase 4 – Reprocessing
Phase 1 – History-taking

The positive/future template involves applying bilateral stimulation while a client runs through the sequence of a challenging past experience until there is no longer a disturbance associated with it. p 206

True
False

Shapiro (2018) states that because EMDR therapy has been shown to be effective and efficient, it is not necessary to take steps to test whether clients can manage moderate to high levels of emotional disturbance and to practice self-control procedures. p 88

True
False

Because of the potential of EMDR for rapid destabilization, there are many client factors to consider prior to beginning EMDR. Which of the following is not a factor? p 500-502

If the client has good affect tolerance
If the client has a stable life environment
If the client has stated they would like to start the EMDR immediately
If the client can undergo temporary discomfort for long term relief

Shapiro (2018) suggests the Safe/Calm place exercise is recommended as part of the preparation phase before starting reprocessing because: p 117

peaceful images do not produce any feelings of anxiety.
it unlocks and drains a reservoir of negative emotions.
it can help close down disturbance during incomplete sessions and between sessions.
it allows whatever happens to happen.

Which of the following is true about Resourcing? p 249 & 291

Resourcing provides access to a range of positive affect that can prepare clients to tolerate or shift out of distress when needed both during and between sessions.
Resourcing increases associations to negative associative memory networks.
Resourcing should never be paired with bilateral stimulation.
BLS used in resourcing should be long and fast.

When selecting an image during Assessment Phase, the clinician should ask: p 125

What picture best represents the experience to you?
What picture represents what you think of yourself in your worst moments?
What scenery is passing by when you think of the incident?
What picture defines yourself in this moment?

A Negative Cognition (NC) is a negative self-statement the client believes, at least to some extent, about themselves now when recalling the disturbing event and picture. p 125

True
False

What is the Validity of Cognition scale range (VoC)? p 129

From 1-10
From 0-10
From 0-7
From 1-7

Naming the emotion(s) in the Assessment phase is important because: p 130

It identifies the emotion that the client feels as they bring up the experience in present time.
It prevents confusion if they subsequently describe the reprocessing experience by using the SUD scale.
It produces a sense of accomplishment.
It separates the emotion psychologically from the sensation in the body.

Which three things should the clinician ask the client when beginning the Desensitization Phase? p 137

The image, the positive cognition and where they feel it in their body.
The negative cognition, the positive cognition and the emotion.
The image, the negative cognition and where they feel it in their body.
The image, the bilateral dual attention stimulation and the emotion.

During the Desensitization Phase after the first set of BLS, it is advisable for the clinician to: p 137

Remind client of the negative cognition.
Ask the client to continue to hold the original image in mind.
Refrain from reminding client of the negative cognition.
Check the validity of cognition.

Three primary themes for interweaves are: p 259

Past, present, and future.
Responsibility, safety and choices.
Supportive figures, personal achievements, and spiritual figures.
Relationship, affect regulation, and self-esteem.

Which of the following is not a strategy that clinicians can use to reinforce the client’s dual focus of attention and connection to present time? p 168

Verbal reassurances during the set
Purposely changing the direction and speed of the eye movements
Make slower movements or cover a shorter range
Check the VOC level

Shapiro (2018) states that, when reprocessing is not progressing even after changing the nature or type of bilateral dual attention stimulation, the clinician should: p 190

Start a different target to see if that will resolve.
Change the NC and PC in case they were the problem.
Explore ancillary factors, such as feeder memories, blocking beliefs, or secondary gain.
End the session and switch back to talk therapy.

When processing the initial target is unsuccessful, the clinician should consider inquiring about negative beliefs that are blocking progress. p 183

True
False

When beginning the Phase 5 Installation, the first question to ask is: p 151-152

“What do you notice in your body now?”
“Do the words [repeat the positive cognition] still fit, or is there another positive statement you feel would be more suitable?”
“What do you think about the negative cognition now?”
“How are you feeling when you recall the [restate the disturbing event]?”

When checking the VOC during Installation Phase, the therapist says: p 152

“When you think about the original picture, what do you think now?”
“On a scale of 0 to 10 where 0 is no disturbance or neutral and 10 is the highest disturbance you can imagine, how disturbing does it feel to you now?”
“Think about the original incident and those words [selected positive cognition], from 1, completely false, to 7, completely true, how true do they feel?”
“Close your eyes and keep in mind the original memory and the positive cognition. Then bring your attention to the different parts of your body, starting with your head and working downward.”

Regarding the Body Scan Phase, Shapiro (2018) states that: p 154-155

Dysfunctional material may have a noticeable physical resonance.
That physical sensations can be targeted.
Focusing on body sensations can open other channels of information that must be processed.
All of the above.

An adequate closure procedure should be established prior to a treatment session. Clinicians should help clients construct a “happy place” in their imagination to use during closure. p 66-67

True
False

Phase 8 Reevaluation: p 191

Is optional because in many cases the target has already been processed to a SUD of 0 and a VoC of 7.
Is sometimes referred to as Reassessment Phase and should only be used after incomplete sessions.
Is vital and should open each reprocessing session after the first, assessing the client’s progress and how well previously targeted material has been resolved.
Was added later by Francine Shapiro as the “R” in EMDR.

In the Reevaluation Phase the clinician is paying attention to whether or not the individual target has been resolved, associated material has been activated that must be addressed, all necessary targets have been reprocessed to allow the client to feel at peace with the past, empowered in the present and able to make better choices in the future, and an adequate assimilation has been made within a healthy social system. p 193

True
False

According to Ashley and Lipscomb’s article in Go With That magazine, which best describes how cultural competency informs the application of EMDR therapy? (Fall 2020, Volume 25, Issue 3, Go With That magazine)

In History Taking, to prevent undisclosed pockets of feeder memories
In Preparation, to allow the client to select resources that fit with their own adaptive information
In Assessment, allowing the client to select a culturally-relevant Negative or Positive Cognition
Throughout all phases: through race-related inquiry, culturally relevant cognitive interweaves, and awareness that successful desensitization may involve a higher level SUDs due to ongoing threats related to racism

According to Archer’s article in Go With That magazine, Racial trauma is historical, multigenerational, and reinforced through implicit and explicit forms of discrimination and oppression. In addition to preverbal traumatic events, using EMDR helps to target second-generation traumatic material. (Fall 2020, Volume 25, Issue 3, Go With That magazine)

True
False

According to Archer’s article in Go With That magazine, when identifying adverse or traumatic experiences during history-taking with Black, indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) clients: (Fall 2020, Volume 25, Issue 3, Go With That magazine)

. it is not important to consider a client’s race, as the concept is simply a social construct.
the issue of race can be set aside, since race is actually a ‘fake’ reality with no real consequences.
it is especially important to consider how a client might have been racialized into disadvantage, since racism affects one’s trauma history.
most BIPOC clients will have the same perspective on their experience of inequity and racism.

According to Ashley and Lipscomb’s article in Go With That magazine, the EMDR Therapist working with Black Americans should: (Fall 2020, Volume 25, Issue 3, Go With That magazine)

consider historical trauma and the reluctance, stigma, and shame when seeking help.
work with the client using color blindness as a model.
avoid all reference to race.
ignore microaggressions when they are described.

The following statements are true for the treatment of children, except: p 324-325

Children can create maps, timelines, and storybooks of their lives, through which the clinician can identify potential targets and resources.
Young children may use hands to indicate levels of disturbance.
Clinicians should advise parents to remain in the room and give verbal feedback during desensitization and installation phases.
Clinician may ask for a “mixed up thought” or a “bad thought” to help elicit the negative cognition.

Looking at addiction through the lens of the AIP, which of the following are not true: p 338

Addiction is often referred to as an “affect regulation strategy,” therefore additional preparation procedures are recommended.
The clinician’s judgment supersedes the client’s motivation for change when deciding when and how to utilize EMDR therapy.
The ACE study may be used to determine specific targets for reprocessing.
It is believed that addictions assist avoidance of the underlying trauma that threatens to surface in sobriety.

When addressing current anxiety with EMDR therapy, the clinician asks the client to identify which of the following? p 220

The earliest remembered distressing event
The current situations that trigger the disturbance
The desired outcome
All of the above

When targeting a process phobia, the clinician must address all the pertinent aspects of the experience, including decision-making and anticipatory anxiety. p 228-229

True
False

Following the death of a loved one, a person may first experience emotional shock accompanied by numbing. In these cases, psychological first aid, rather than EMDR processing, is recommended at this stage. p 233

True
False

Which of the following is true of EMD? p 221

There is no Negative Cognition with EMD.
There is no Positive Cognition with EMD.
You return to target after every set of bilateral dual attention.

According to Shapiro (2018) which of the following is the first step in the Recent Event Protocol? p 223

Target the most disturbing aspect of the memory.
Obtain a narrative history of the event, noting the most disturbing moments.
Process present stimuli.
Incorporate positive future templates for each trigger.

For many clients with complex PTSD, it is preferable to begin processing by first targeting recent, adult-onset traumatic experiences or the present disturbing situations or triggers. p 291

True
False

Which of the following are true of working with military personnel and veterans: p 304-306

Several modifications need to be made to the standard EMDR therapy protocol.
It is important to develop cultural competence on the effect of military values and training.
It is best to avoid the use of interweaves.
Military personnel do not benefit from EMDR therapy due to the complexity of their trauma.

Average score
Your score

It’s All About Choices: An EMDRIA-approved EMDR Basic training: March 3 – 4

Basic Training Assessment

Assessment Summary

Information

Results

Results

Categories

1. Question

2. Question

3. Question

4. Question

5. Question

6. Question

7. Question

8. Question

9. Question

10. Question

11. Question

12. Question

13. Question

14. Question

15. Question

16. Question

17. Question

18. Question

19. Question

20. Question

21. Question

22. Question

23. Question

24. Question

25. Question

26. Question

27. Question

28. Question

29. Question

30. Question

31. Question

32. Question

33. Question

34. Question

35. Question

36. Question

37. Question

38. Question

39. Question

40. Question

41. Question

42. Question

43. Question

44. Question

45. Question

46. Question

47. Question

48. Question

49. Question

50. Question

51. Question

52. Question

53. Question