Protocol for Excessive Grief

“Protocol for Excessive Grief” is excerpted from the EMDR Scripted Protocols book, illustrating one of Francine Shapiro’s 6 basic protocols.

Article Abstract

“‘Protocol for Excessive Grief’ is excerpted from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Scripted Protocols: Basics and Special Situations illustrating a scripted protocol from one of Francine Shapiro’s 6 basic protocols. “Scripting” informs and reminds EMDR practitioners of the component parts, sequence, and language used to create effective outcomes, and also generates a template for practitioners and researchers to use for reliability and/or a common denominator so that the form of working with EMDR is consistent. This protocol includes 5 steps: process actual events, including the loved one’s suffering or death; process any intrusive images that are occurring; process the nightmare images; process any stimuli/triggers associated with the grief experience; and address issues of personal responsibility, mortality, or previous unresolved losses. The future template is included This protocol addresses the many aspects of grief and mourning to assure the full processing of clients’ concerns.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Luber, M. (2012). Protocol for Excessive Grief. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 6(3), 129–135. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.6.3.129

About the Journal

The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research is a peer-reviewed publication devoted to integrative, state-of-the-art papers about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a broadly conceived interdisciplinary journal that stimulates and communicates research and theory about EMDR, and their application to clinical practice. The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research is the Official Publication of the EMDR International Association.