Adapting EMDR Standard Protocols: Making Therapy Accessible for Diverse Client Needs
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
As clinicians, we know that the human experience is anything but uniform. Clients bring with them a tapestry of histories, identities, and needs that demand a more nuanced approach. While the EMDR protocol provides a solid framework, it is our responsibility to adapt it—not to dilute its efficacy, but to deepen its relevance for the individuals we serve.
Trauma is not just a psychological event but a relational one, deeply intertwined with attachment, identity, and context. This understanding calls for a clinical approach that is both grounded in evidence and attuned to the complexities of human experience.
The Importance of Adaptation in EMDR Therapy
In her extensive work with the disability community, Leslie Pertz, LMSW, PMH-C, NIC has observed a recurring challenge: the mismatch between the standard EMDR protocol and the diverse needs of clients.
"We often see clients whose needs don’t align with the traditional demo. This disconnect between what we know how to do and what clients actually need is something we have to address."
This gap highlights the importance of moving beyond rigid adherence to protocol and embracing a more flexible, client-centered approach. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of EMDR, clinicians can adapt the modality to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring that no one is left behind.
More than one in four Americans (28.7%) live with a disability. This means that our standard approaches may inadvertently create barriers for many who could benefit from EMDR therapy. For example, clients with physical disabilities may require alternative methods or pacing strategies to fully engage with the modality.
At the heart of effective adaptation lies a deep understanding of the "why" behind each phase of EMDR. By exploring the "why" behind each phase, we can develop a comprehensive set of tools that allow for flexibility in practice. This approach transforms EMDR from a one-size-fits-all modality to a dynamic, adaptable tool that can be tailored to meet the needs of any client.
Building a Comprehensive Toolkit
"We can’t just say, ‘This is how we do EMDR.’ We have to say, ‘This is how we can do EMDR,’ and then adapt based on the client’s needs."
Leslie emphasizes that EMDR is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it is a flexible framework that can be adapted to meet the unique needs of each client. This adaptability is central to making EMDR accessible and effective for all individuals, regardless of their background, neurodiversity, or access to resources.
In her upcoming course, What’s the protocol for…?: Developing creative adaptations to EMDR standard protocol, Leslie aims to empower clinicians to navigate the complexities of real-world clients with confidence.
What's the protocol for...?: Developing creative adaptations to EMDR standard protocol
🗓️ March 5-6, 2026
Learn how to adapt EMDR’s standard protocol with confidence and creativity to meet the needs of diverse clients - especially those who don’t fit the mold of basic training demos.
Honoring Our Clients’ Experiences
Adapting EMDR standard protocols requires a deep understanding of each phase and a commitment to flexibility, client-centered care. The result is a practice that honors both the integrity of EMDR as a therapeutic modality and the unique experiences of the clients we serve. By moving beyond rigid adherence to protocol and embracing a more adaptable approach, we can ensure that EMDR remains a powerful, inclusive tool for healing and growth.