The Process of EMDR Therapy: What to Expect in a Session

As a EMDR certified therapist, I often get asked about the process of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. It’s a therapeutic technique that has proven to be highly effective for trauma-related disorders. So, let's walk through what a typical EMDR therapy session might look like.

Pre-Session

Before the session begins, the therapist will take some time to understand the client's history and the issues they're dealing with. This helps in setting the right course of treatment.

Phase One: History and Treatment Planning

The first phase involves taking a detailed history of the client and developing a treatment plan. This phase will identify past experiences that have led to the client's current issues.

Phase Two: Preparation

In the second phase, the therapist will explain the EMDR process in detail and teach the client some specific techniques for dealing with emotional distress.

Phase Three: Assessment

Next, the therapist will identify the specific memories that will be targeted and all the associated components for each memory.

Phase Four: Desensitization

This phase focuses on the client's disturbing emotions and sensations as they are measured by the client's own level of distress.

Phase Five: Installation

The goal of the fifth phase is to concentrate on and increase the strength of the positive belief that the client has identified to replace the original negative belief.

Phase Six: Body Scan

After the belief has been installed and strengthened, the therapist will ask the client to bring the original target event to mind and see if they notice any residual tension in their body.

Phases Seven and Eight: Closure and Reevaluation

The final phases ensure that the client leaves each session feeling better than when they arrived and that the treatment effects are maintained over time.

Important Notes about EMDR

EMDR is a unique therapy because it allows the brain to heal its psychological trauma in much the same way as the rest of the body recovers from physical trauma. Remember, the goal of EMDR, like all therapy, is to help you understand yourself better, heal your wounds, and ultimately lead a happier, healthier life.

You should always be very thorough when choosing an EMDR Therapist ensuring the person you are seeing has been certified through an EMDRIA approved program. An EMDR therapist needs to be licensed in the state they are practicing in and have completed an EMDRIA approved training including ongoing education.

Please Note: This blog post is intended to provide a general understanding of EMDR therapy.
It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of a healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.