The EMDR Journey is a board game that puts phases 3-7 of the EMDR methodology into action for a variety of ages, while providing fun visual and tangible aids. Clinicians have found that the game enhances engagement of child and adolescent clients with the EMDR methodology.

How Does "The EMDR Journey" Work?:

The game should be played in session with the client
Each time the game is played the goal is to focus on and reprocess one specific target from the targeting sequence plan
The clients go on a journey across the board starting in the rocky, rough water and working their way to a calm, safe beach
Each space on the board corresponds with a page in the Therapist’s Guide, which helps the clinician lead clients on their EMDR Journey
The clients begin by identifying and drawing a target so they have a visual in front of them
As they progress across the board they pick a negative and a positive cognition associated with the target, using the Yucky and Good Thought Cards to help find the words
Similarly, they use the Feeling Face Cards and Feeling Finder to identify and locate feelings in their body
There is also a two-sided VOC and SUDs Dial, with numbers and faces on it to assist in the process
The bilateral stimulation and reprocessing is done on the Island in the middle of the board, which allows for a place to return if the target is not fully processed in one session
If clients want to slow down processing at any point there is a Stop Sign and Safe Place Card available to them
After processing, while approaching the beach, clients are guided through a Safe Place Meditation and Closure.

Game Board (ocean scene - process from rough seas to calm beach; BLS is done on an island in the middle of the board)
Game Player Pieces - Seagull, Sailboat, Fish
Experience Cards (to help identify the target)
Drawing Pad (to draw target)
Yucky Thought Cards (negative cognitions)
Good Thought Cards (positive cognitions)
Feeling Face Cards (identify feelings)
Feeling Finder (to find the feelings in the body) - (Gomez, 2006, 2007)
Safe/Calm Place Card (safe place visualization)
Two Sided Dial with numbers and feeling faces (VOC and SUDS scores)
Stop Sign (stop signal)

All clinicians using "The EMDR Journey" should have completed an EMDRIA approved basic training
May not be suitable for children under 3 because of small parts - choking hazard
As in any therapeutic setting, if your client presents with suicidal or homicidal ideation, or an emergency, call 911
"The EMDR Journey" and its creator are not responsible for any abreactions, psychological or medical emergencies that occur with clients before, during or after using "The EMDR Journey"