What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy that involves briefly sitting with trauma memory while using bilateral stimulation (through eye movements, tappers, and/or audio). The goal is to decrease emotional dysregulation around the traumatic memory. EMDR is a well researched and empirically backed method for treatment of PTSD, anxiety, depression and distressing life experiences. 

Does EMDR involve talking about the trauma?

Not necessarily. Although part of the EMDR process is creating “targets” around memories and what needs to be reprocessed, during the actual reprocessing phase, we are not actively engaging in talking about the memory. 

What is the process of EMDR? 

EMDR is a total of 8 phases:

1. History Taking

We begin by learning about your life experiences, challenges, and goals. Together, we identify  memories that may be contributing to current struggles. These are referred to as our EMDR “targets” that we will work through.

2. Preparation

You’ll learn grounding and calming techniques to help you feel safe and in control. We build trust and make sure you’re ready to begin processing memories. We talk extensively about indicators of knowing when we need to pause, stop, or if it’s okay to keep going. 

3. Assessment

We select a specific memory to target. You’ll identify a vivid image, the negative belief connected to it, and how it makes you feel in your body.

4. Desensitization

This is where the reprocessing begins. While focusing on the memory, you’ll engage in bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, tapping, or tones) to help reduce the memory’s emotional intensity.

5. Installation

We strengthen a positive belief you’d like to hold about yourself—replacing the negative one that was tied to the memory.

6. Body Scan

You’ll mentally scan your body to notice any leftover tension or distress. If anything remains, we process it further until the body feels calm.

7. Closure

Each session ends with techniques to help you return to a state of calm and safety, whether or not the memory is fully processed that day.

8. Reevaluation

At the beginning of the next session, we check in on previously processed memories and your overall progress. We decide together what to focus on next.

How long does EMDR last?

A typical therapy session lasts 55-minutes with time used before and after reprocessing to help regulate and contain. Longer sessions may be an option, but these may not be covered by insurance. 

The process as a whole is dependent on number of targets and levels of emotional regulation. However, many clients start to notice a change to belief systems and increased emotion regulation within a few sessions.

Any other questions?

Please reach out to talk more to see if EMDR would be a good fit for you!