EMDR 2.0 Clinical Primer (Free PDF)
The working-memory taxation model, procedural differences from standard EMDR, contraindications, and a full reference list — on a single clinician PDF.
Free PDF for EMDR clinicians. Get it by email.
What the primer covers
A concise clinician-facing primer on EMDR 2.0 (Matthijssen & de Jongh) — the working-memory taxation account of why bilateral stimulation degrades vivid, distressing memory, and how EMDR 2.0 amplifies that mechanism by adding more demanding dual tasks to Phase 4. Written for EMDRIA-trained clinicians who want a quick orientation before their first attempt.
Covers: the inverted-U taxation curve, procedural differences from standard EMDR, indications and contraindications, and how to titrate load session-to-session. Full references included.
Who it's for
EMDR-trained clinicians curious about EMDR 2.0, consultants preparing a supervisee case discussion, and clinicians who want to understand the mechanism before booking formal EMDR 2.0 training. Not a substitute for training — the PDF explicitly names what training adds.
Pair with
The EMDR 2.0 Phase 4 Script, the Dual-Task Menu & Load Ladder, and the Titration Worksheet.
Related on the EMDR guide
Frequently asked questions
Do I need separate EMDR 2.0 training?
Yes — this primer is orientation, not certification. Formal EMDR 2.0 training (Matthijssen & de Jongh) is recommended before clinical use.
Is EMDR 2.0 evidence-based?
The evidence base is early-stage — mostly analogue (non-clinical) studies plus a small number of clinical studies (e.g., Matthijssen et al., 2021; van Veen et al., 2015 on working-memory load). References are on the last page of the PDF.
References
- Matthijssen, S. J. M. A., Lee, C. W., de Roos, C., et al. (2020). The current status of EMDR therapy, specific target areas, and goals for the future. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 14(4), 241–284.
- Matthijssen, S. J. M. A., Brouwers, T., van Roozendaal, C., Vuister, T., & de Jongh, A. (2021). The effect of EMDR versus EMDR 2.0 on emotionality and vividness of aversive memories in a non-clinical sample. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 12(1), 1956793.
- van Veen, S. C., van Schie, K., Wijngaards-de Meij, L. D., Littel, M., Engelhard, I. M., & van den Hout, M. A. (2015). Speed matters: Relationship between speed of eye movements and modification of aversive autobiographical memories. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 6, 45.
- van den Hout, M. A., & Engelhard, I. M. (2012). How does EMDR work? Journal of Experimental Psychopathology, 3(5), 724–738.
- Engelhard, I. M., van den Hout, M. A., & Smeets, M. A. M. (2011). Taxing working memory reduces vividness and emotional intensity of images about the Queen's Day tragedy. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 42(1), 32–37.
- Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.