EMDR session

Presentation The patient, a 10-year-old male, presented with increased anxiety and difficulty sleeping due to recurring nightmares. His parents expressed concerns about his recent withdrawal from social activities. Content The session focused on addressing the patient's anxiety related to his nightmares using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Techniques included bilateral stimulation and cognitive restructuring. The target image was a shadowy figure from his nightmares, with a negative cognition of 'I am not safe' and a positive cognition of 'I am safe now.' The initial VOC (Validity of Cognition) score was 3. The patient reported feeling scared and anxious, with a SUDS (Subjective Units of Distress Scale) level of 8. He experienced tightness in his chest and a racing heart. Outcome of processing showed a reduction in distress, with a final SUDS level of 2 and an improved VOC score of 6. The patient expressed feeling more relaxed and confident about facing his fears. Additional relevant information about the patient's progress includes improved sleep patterns and increased participation in social activities. Plan The plan for the next session includes further EMDR processing on the target image and exploring any new images or cognitions that may arise. The focus will also be on reinforcing the positive cognition and building coping strategies for anxiety management.