“EMDR, Phase 2 And Who’s with Me? : Working with Dissociative Systems When Not Everyone’s Introduced Themselves”
- H LS Scarboro
- 1 hour ago
- 4 min read
By Heather (LS) Scarboro LCMHC-QS, LCAS, NCC
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) presents unique clinical needs, especially as therapists prepare clients for trauma reprocessing within EMDR. Phase 2—Preparation and Stabilization—is where the foundation of safety, internal cooperation, and dual awareness is created. But what happens when the internal system isn’t fully communicating yet?
This early stage is not a barrier to EMDR; rather, it is a critical period of curiosity, pacesetting, and trust-building between the therapist, client, and the internal system.
Why Communication Matters—But Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect Yet
In Dissociative Systems treatment, full internal communication is a long-term goal, not a prerequisite for beginning EMDR preparation. Many systems begin therapy with limited co-consciousness or partial awareness of one another. Some parts may be observing from a distance; some may be hesitant, protective, or unsure of therapy; others may not yet know EMDR is happening, or be on board with it at all.
The aim in Phase 2 is not immediate unity.The aim is building safety, predictability, and gentle pathways to connection.
Think of it less as “everyone must be on board right now,” and more as “everyone deserves a chance to feel safe enough to approach.”
Phase 2 Priorities When Internal Communication Is Limited
Below are core preparation goals that support safe EMDR work even when parts are early in their collaboration.
1. Establish External Safety First
Before anything internal can shift, the client’s external world must feel stable:
predictable routines
supportive relationships and safety plan
reduction in as many acute stressors as possible
a consistent therapeutic framework
External stability communicates to protectors and younger parts that therapy is not a threat. And, should it feel threatening, there are safety plans already in place.
2. Build Trust With the System as a Whole
When parts are not talking to each other, they are still observing the therapist. How you show up matters.
Support trust through:
speaking to the “whole system,” not just the adult self
maintaining a slow, attuned pace
using consistent language around safety
checking for internal reactions even if the client isn’t aware of them yet
honoring protectors’ concerns without trying to “move them out of the way”/ work with them
Therapeutic presence becomes a bridge between parts long before direct communication develops.
3. Introduce EMDR Through Psychoeducation That Reaches All Parts
Everyone in the system deserves information.
This can sound like:
“I want to make sure every part who listens or watches from the background knows what we’re doing. We aren’t going into trauma memories right now—just learning skills to help everyone feel safer.”
Even if the client reports that “no one else is responding,” this inclusive language supports internal permission.
4. Develop Shared Resources That Don’t Require Full Communication
Classic Phase 2 skills can be adapted to function across internal barriers.
Examples include:
Safe/Calm Place Imagery (Beyond “Calm Safe Space” blog)
Invite the system to create spaces where any part can visit—not necessarily together, just available.
Containment and Distance Skills
Useful for protectors who keep trauma walled off. They maintain control while reducing overwhelm.
Grounding and Dual Awareness Routines
These give everyone predictable anchors, especially parts unfamiliar with therapy. These can be anything that provides security; stuffie, fidget spinner, a rock, a blanket or comforting pillow.
Stabilization Music or Shared Playlist Work
A song can be a meeting point for parts who don’t yet communicate verbally.(Rhythm and predictability are powerful organizers for dissociative systems.)
5. Begin Passive Internal Mapping
Full mapping is not required, nor should it be rushed.
Phase 2 mapping can include:
noticing internal shifts, even subtle ones
identifying “roles” (protector, younger part, observer) without diving into trauma content
tracking energy changes, somatic cues, or emotional shifts
using art, colors, symbols, or metaphors if direct identification feels threatening
You’re not forcing introductions—you’re gently turning on the porch light.
When Protectors Aren’t Ready
Many protectors distrust therapy at first—and their concerns are valid. EMDR is powerful.
Instead of “convincing” them, meet them with:
Respect“You’ve done so much to help the system stay safe.”
Choice“You get a say in whether we continue at this pace.”
Collaboration“We don’t do anything without your consent. All of you matter here.”
This approach often leads to softening long before explicit internal communication emerges.
Pacing Is Clinical Intervention
When parts are not communicating, pacing is both assessment and treatment.
Signs the pace is right:
less shutting down or switching during sessions
decreased overwhelm
spontaneous curiosity from parts
increased emotional literacy
small moments of co-consciousness
Signs to slow down:
unable to keep eyes open
abrupt internal withdrawal
dreams, urges, or somatic sensations that feel “too much”
protectors becoming louder or more distressed
The goal is a window (or Wheel- if familiar with Katarina Lundgren’s model) of tolerance that includes the whole system, not just the adult self.
When Is the System Ready for Phase 3?
Readiness is not based on perfect internal communication.
Readiness looks like:
at least some parts trust you
protectors understand the plan and feel respected
there is a shared stabilization therapeutic toolbox
the system can return to the present, even if it takes effort
there are no overwhelming (unresolvable) internal conflicts about reprocessing
Reprocessing begins when the system can stay anchored—not when everyone is already communicating.
Final Thoughts
Working with DID in EMDR Phase 2 is relational, collaborative, and deeply stabilizing. When parts aren’t fully communicating, it’s not a problem—it’s simply a starting point. The work you do here lays the groundwork for meaningful, integrative healing.
With patience, attunement, and respect for every part of the system, Phase 2 becomes an opportunity for safety, trust, and gentle connection to blossom—creating the stability needed for phases to come.
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