Michelle Sinkgraven, LICSW
Licensed in DC, MD, VA
Adjunctive EMDR
What is Adjunctive EMDR?
Adjunctive EMDR therapy is usually short-term but may also be needed as a longer-term approach where EMDR is integrated in the ongoing therapy of the client. This modality does not replace the therapy with the primary therapist but instead clients see both therapists. Adjunctive therapy can be done in weekly or bi-weekly 50-minute sessions, extended 90-minutes sessions or through participation in an Intensive. A consultation call with the client prior will help all parties determine the best approach. It is common for clients to want to process and discuss what came up for them in the EMDR session with their primary therapist. This is part of the healing process as clients will integrate new learning, discuss new insights, or changed behaviors or responses to life and relationships. They may also make connections with new skills that they want to learn or apply to life experiences.
Who is a good candidate for Adjunctive EMDR Therapy?
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Clients who have a good working relationship with their therapist, and already have some coping skills and supports in place
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Individuals who are interested and willing to actively collaborate with the EMDR therapist.
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Someone who is aware of a clear identifiable target or stuck point they wish to address or a specific recent event that occurred that is interfering with their therapy progress
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A person who is not currently struggling with active substance abuse, self-injury, or safety risks, including unstable living situations.​​
What are the responsibilities of the therapists?
The primary therapist:
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Remains the therapist on record as adjunctive EMDR is not a transfer of care;
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Maintains the treatment plan; and
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Manages crisis calls or client emergencies.
The EMDR therapist:
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Maintains responsibility for the impact and effectiveness of the EMDR work both in and out of session;
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Regularly provides feedback about EMDR sessions to the primary therapist; and
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Ensures a release of information is in place for coordination of care during adjunct therapy.
What is the adjunctive EMDR Therapy Referral Process?
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Primary therapist obtains a Release of Information from client and contacts EMDR therapist to discuss referral.
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Primary therapist and EMDR therapist discuss issues related to referral and develop potential targets for EMDR processing.
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If the client is deemed a "good fit" for adjunctive EMDR the adjunct therapist reaches out to schedule a consultation.
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An intake appointment is scheduled and the client and EMDR therapist:
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discuss issues for treatment,
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develop clear targets for treatment,
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therapist provides a thorough explanation of EMDR treatment and process,
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client signs open release of information between therapists and discuss EMDR therapist role in the treatment, as well as importance and necessity of continued work with the primary therapy
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The primary therapist and EMDR therapist agree upon a method for active and reciprocal communication to coordinate the therapy.​
Interested in making a referral or being referred?
Therapists: Send an email to msinkgraventherapy@gmail.com
Interested Clients: Talk with your primary therapist about your curiosity about adjunctive EMDR