Phase 6 of EMDR is called Body Scan. This phase is typically transitioned to after reprocessing in Phase 4 has achieved a Subjective Unit of Disturbance (SUD) rating of 0 or an ecological rating (i.e., it makes sense that there is mild disturbance left) and the positive cognition feels totally true as evidenced by a rating of 7 on the Validity of Cognition (VoC) scale from Phase 5. The goal of Phase 6 is for the client to be able to think about the memory with the positive cognition and not have anything feel activated within the body.

During this phase, the client will scan their body to notice if any remaining unpleasant sensations are lingering after reprocessing. Body sensations may include tightness, tension, or unpleasant tingling.

If an unpleasant sensation is identified, the client will notice that area while Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) is administered. Similar to Phase 5 BLS, BLS here will be short and fast (think EMD pacing). This is repeated over and over until the sensation has diminished. Once the sensation is gone, the client will scan their body once more (without BLS) to check for any additional sensations. This process is continued until it is reported that the body feels calm or neutral.

This phase may be pretty quick; however, I prefer to have my clients spend some time here to notice how it feels to be in a calm or neutral body. Typically with traumas or complex traumas, the body does NOT like to be calm. After all, how else are we going to keep ourselves safe? We've done this for so long! Noticing the calm body helps to integrate the sense of feeling safe in one's body.

Once a neutral body is reported, the reprocessing phases are essentially done and the client and clinician will transition to Phase 7.

If you are curious to learn more about EMDR or are interested in beginning your EMDR therapy journey, please reach out to me via the Contact Me page on my website. You can also learn more about EMDR as well as additional EMDR therapists in your area by visiting the EMDR International Association’s website here.

Reminder: these blog posts are meant to be purely educational and/or entertainment tools and do NOT replace psychotherapy and/or other medically necessary treatments.