EMDR Phase 5- What is the Installation phase?
Beyond Desensitization: What is Installation?
As we discussed in our last blog, phase 4 is complete when the subjective units of disturbance (SUDS) reduce to a 0. This most often means a client is able to feel calm alongside the memory that had previously brought a lot of distress. So when phase 4 is complete, the next phase looks to help the client clear away the negative belief that felt true alongside the distressing memory.Installation continues to use bilateral stimulation, whether eye movements, alternating in ear sound or tapping, but in this phase we are focused on helping to link the targeted memory with a healthy positive belief or cognition. This means when the client thinks about the memory in the future, they will not only feel very little or no distress in the present, but they also will no longer believe negative beliefs about self, but rather connect the memory to a sense of strength, confidence or safety.
The Mechanics of Phase 5
At the beginning of the EMDR process, the client identifies a desired positive belief. Examples may be “I’m safe now”, “I can handle it” “I did my best’ or “I’m good enough”. In phase 5, the therapist asks the client to bring to mind the traumatic memory alongside the chosen positive belief.The therapist then asks the client to rate how true the positive cognition/belief feels on a scale from 1 (completely false) to 7 (completely true). Often clients know that the statement logically is true, but it doesn’t yet feel true (which would be reflected in a Validity of Cognition or VOC score on the low end of the scale).The therapist guides the client in sets of bilateral stimulation while the client focuses on the positive belief and the memory at the same time. This continues until the positive cognition feels completely true, or a 7 on the VOC scale.
Why is Phase 5 important?
The installation helps alter how the client sees themselves and the past traumatic event, allowing for more positive beliefs and a sense of empowerment and/or safety.
References
Kaufman, S. (2021, August 13). The eight phases of EMDR therapy.
EMDR International Association. https://www.emdria.org/blog/the-eight-phases-of-emdr-therapy/
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (3rd ed.). New York, NY: The Guilford Press
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my positive belief doesn't feel true at first?
It is completely normal for a positive cognition to feel false initially. Trauma creates deep emotional blocks that logic cannot fix. Phase 5 uses bilateral stimulation specifically to bridge this gap, gradually shifting the belief from a low score to a strong 7.
How long does the Installation Phase typically take?
The timeline varies for everyone. If the previous processing phases went smoothly, installation can sometimes be completed in a single session. If the belief feels blocked or if new targets emerge, it may take longer.
Can I change my positive belief during Phase 5?
Yes. As processing unfolds, clients often discover that their original positive statement no longer fits. If a new, more resonant belief emerges (e.g., shifting from "I am safe" to "I am worthy"), the therapist will adapt the installation to the new statement.
How do we know when Phase 5 is officially complete?
Phase 5 is complete when you can recall the target memory and think of your positive belief at the same time, and that belief feels completely true. In clinical terms, this means your Validity of Cognition (VOC) score reaches a solid 7.
Please remember that the information shared in this post is for educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional mental health treatment.
