What Do I Do When My EMDR Client Is Looping?
Looping is when your client keeps coming back with the same thought, image, or feeling set after set and nothing is changing, including the SUD. When that happens, the first thing to try is changing the BLS (speed, direction, or type). If that doesn't move it, a cognitive interweave can help, which is a short question or statement from you that gives the client's brain the piece of information it's missing so processing can keep going.
I remember the first time a client really got stuck with me and were looping. They couldn’t move past this image of them as a child. At first, I started to feel stuck myself…like what can I say to help them move through this image? I asked them to do another set but this time image a child the same age but it wasn’t them, it was just a six year old child, and that really helped them see it in a different perspective.
How do I know if it's actually looping?
This matters because sometimes it looks stuck and it's really still processing. A client might say the same words but the intensity is going down, or the body sensation is moving, or the image is getting a little blurrier. That's still movement, and you can keep going with BLS.
It's more likely looping when:
The same content comes back for several sets in a row with no change at all
The SUD stays the same or goes up and stays there
The client gets more distressed or starts saying things like "I'm just going in circles"
A belief like "it was my fault" keeps showing up and nothing new comes in around it
What should I try before an interweave?
Try the smallest change first, because sometimes that's all it needs.
Change the speed of the BLS, faster or slower
Change the direction or the type (eye movements to tappers, or the other way around)
Have the client notice a different part of the memory, like a sound or a body sensation
Do a longer set
If it's still stuck after that, that's when I'd reach for an interweave.
What are some examples of cognitive interweaves?
Most interweaves fall into a few themes. I think of them as questions about responsibility, safety, and choice, which are the same themes the negative cognitions come from.
Responsibility:
"Whose fault was it really?"
"If this happened to a child you love, would it be their fault?"
Safety:
"Is it over now?"
"Where are you right now, and are you safe here?"
Choice:
"Did you have a choice back then?"
"What choices do you have now that you didn't have then?"
After the interweave, you go right back to BLS. The interweave is just a little nudge, and then you let the client's own processing take it from there.
How often should I use interweaves?
As little as possible. Standard protocol, therapist intuition, and being attuned with your client will carry most sessions. Interweaves are for when processing has actually stopped, and the goal is to step back out of the way as soon as it's moving again.
If a client is looping a lot, session after session, it might mean they need more resourcing first. That's a Phase 2 thing, and I go through the resources I use most in The Phase 2 Toolbox ($47).
Free guide: 15 cognitive interweaves
I made a free PDF with 15 cognitive interweaves every EMDR therapist should have on hand so you can have it next to you during sessions.
If you want to go deeper on when and how to use them, my Cognitive Interweaves Workshop is $47. this is where we really dive deeper into what cognitive interweaves are and when to use them.
FAQ
What is looping in EMDR?
Looping is when reprocessing gets stuck and the same thought, image, emotion, or body sensation keeps coming back across several sets of BLS without any change.
What is a cognitive interweave in EMDR?
A cognitive interweave is a short question or statement from the therapist that brings in information the client's brain needs to keep processing, like an adult perspective, present-day safety, or a sense of choice.
Should I try an interweave right away when a client gets stuck?
Usually no. Try changing the BLS first, like the speed, direction, or type. Use an interweave if processing still isn't moving.
Is looping a sign I'm doing EMDR wrong?
No. Looping happens to experienced EMDR therapists too, and it's a normal part of reprocessing, especially with complex trauma.
What if interweaves don't help?
The client might need more Phase 2 resourcing before going back into reprocessing, or the target might be too big and need to be broken into a smaller piece. This is a really good thing to bring to consultation.
