Ever found yourself wondering where to start when reprocessing trauma?

Choosing the right target sequence planning approach isessential to prevent setbacks and accelerate progress. Let’s break down the two main approaches, Comprehensive and Symptom-Focused, and when to use each.

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Comprehensive Target Sequence Planning

What is involved in Comprehensive Target Sequence Planning?

• Mapping the whole “forest” of Trauma Memory Networks.
• Identifying the nature and extent to which Adaptive Information is available to counter the trauma material BEFORE activating a memory for reprocessing.

Benefits of Comprehensive Target Sequencing

• Meaningful case conceptualization that allows prioritization and decreases the likelihood of surprises.
• Strategic planning that allows for more robust & efficient effects.

Challenges of Comprehensive Target Sequencing

• Requires clients’ understanding that delaying reprocessing is worth the benefit of seeing the big picture before jumping in.
• May take longer time than finances allow.

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Symptom-Focused Target Sequence Planning

What is involved in Symptom-Focused Target Sequence Planning?

• Surgically addresses a single symptomatic behavioral, emotional, cognitive, or somatic response.
• Maps a Symptom to its Triggers and the Trauma Memory Network(s) that drive(s) it.

Benefits of Symptom-Focused Target Sequence Planning

• Prioritizes a client’s most intrusive symptoms, allowing for significant focused relief.
• Ideal to target affect & attachment-management strategies developed to manage complex developmental trauma.

Challenges of Symptom-Focused Target Sequence Planning

• Increases risk of “surprises” and blocked processing from unexpected Feeder Memories.
• May still require reprocessing of multiple Trauma Memory Networks linked to a symptom occurring or worsening.

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Importance of Both Target Sequence Plan Approaches

Knowing BOTH approaches is essential for confidently treating Complex Developmental Trauma. Learn both Target Sequence Plan approaches in our Complex Trauma Advanced Course Bundle. Click here for more informationabout this essential EMDR training.

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