What does SUDS stand for as it relates to EMDR?

SUDS stands for Subjective Units of Distress Scale, which is an important concept in the practice of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. This scale is used to help individuals rate the level of distress they experience in response to a traumatic memory or stimulus. Clients typically use a numerical scale from 0 to 10, where 0 represents no distress and 10 signifies the highest level of distress.

This self-assessment provides a way for both the therapist and the client to track progress throughout the EMDR process. By frequently measuring distress levels, the therapist can adjust the treatment approach as needed and help clients gain greater awareness of their feelings during sessions. The focus on subjective experience emphasizes the personalized nature of therapeutic interventions in EMDR, making it both a valuable tool for practitioners and a critical piece of the EMDR protocol.