What Does an EMDR Therapy Session Look Like?

Introduction to EMDR Therapy

By Dr. Leona Kashersky

EMDR therapy, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.

During an EMDR session, the therapist guides the client through a structured process that focuses on recalling distressing events, while using bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements, taps, or sounds, to help process these memories in a less painful way.

This therapy is rooted in the understanding that the mind can naturally heal from psychological wounds if given the right conditions. EMDR facilitates this healing process by integrating distressing memories with more adaptive information, ultimately leading to resolution and reduced emotional reactivity.

The sessions are conducted in a safe and supportive environment, encouraging the individual to explore and process past traumas at their own pace, guided by a trained EMDR therapist.

It's important to note that EMDR therapy may not be suitable for everyone, and it's essential to consult with a qualified mental health professional to determine if this approach is the right fit for your healing journey.

Initial Assessment and Preparation

Before beginning EMDR therapy, the therapist conducts a thorough assessment to understand the client's history, psychological makeup, and current concerns. This initial phase helps in establishing a trusting therapeutic relationship and identifying specific targets for the EMDR process.

The therapist educates the client about EMDR therapy, outlining the process, including what to expect during sessions and discussing any potential discomfort that may arise when revisiting traumatic memories.

Together, the therapist and client collaboratively work on developing coping strategies and establishing a sense of safety and grounding techniques that can be used during challenging moments in the therapy sessions.

During the preparation phase, the therapist ensures that the client is adequately prepared and feels supported to begin the deeper work of processing distressing memories in the subsequent phases of EMDR therapy.

This preparatory phase is crucial for laying the groundwork for the therapeutic journey and building a solid foundation for the client to engage fully in the healing process that EMDR offers.

Preparation Phase

The preparation phase sets the stage for the deeper therapeutic work that follows in EMDR therapy. It involves establishing a sense of safety, developing coping mechanisms, and ensuring the client is equipped to navigate the emotional terrain that will be explored.

During this phase, the therapist assists the client in identifying a target memory or event to focus on during the desensitization phase. This collaborative process aims to pinpoint specific memories that are negatively impacting the individual's well-being.

The therapist helps the client develop a toolbox of resources that can be called upon during EMDR sessions to provide support and comfort as they traverse through challenging emotional material.

Moreover, the preparation phase involves strengthening the client's ability to self-regulate emotions and handle distressing content effectively, ensuring a more productive and successful desensitization phase and beyond.

This initial phase is vital as it lays the groundwork for the processing of memories, setting the stage for the reprocessing of traumatic experiences in a safe and structured therapeutic environment.

Desensitization Phase

The desensitization phase is at the core of EMDR therapy, where the processing of distressing memories takes place. During this phase, the therapist guides the client in reprocessing the targeted memories to reduce their emotional charge.

Bilateral stimulation, either through eye movements, taps, or sounds, is used to facilitate the processing of the memories, allowing the client to experience them in a new light and form more adaptive associations.

As the client engages in the desensitization phase, they may experience a range of emotions and physical sensations. The therapist supports the client throughout this process, aiding them in navigating and integrating the reprocessed memories.

The goal of this phase is to transform the negative beliefs and emotions associated with the distressing memories into more positive and adaptive cognitions, leading to a reduction in the distress and emotional impact of those memories.

Through the desensitization phase, clients can gradually release the emotional burden carried by traumatic experiences, paving the way for healing, growth, and increased resilience in facing future challenges.

Installation Phase

In the installation phase of EMDR therapy, the focus shifts towards strengthening the positive beliefs and emotions that have emerged from the desensitization phase. This step aims to enhance the adaptive and empowering aspects of the reprocessed memories.

The therapist helps the client internalize these positive cognitions, allowing them to fully integrate and believe in their newfound perspectives, leading to a more profound sense of self-worth and resilience.

Through repeated sets of bilateral stimulation, the positive beliefs are anchored within the client's psyche, creating lasting changes in how they perceive themselves and the world around them.

The installation phase plays a crucial role in ensuring that the therapeutic gains achieved in EMDR therapy are maintained over time, contributing to long-lasting healing and personal growth.

By solidifying positive beliefs and emotions, this phase reinforces the client's capacity to navigate future challenges with a more resilient and adaptive mindset, fostering a healthier and more balanced emotional state.

Body Scan and Closure

After the installation phase, a body scan is conducted to help the client tune into any residual tension or discomfort in their body, allowing for further processing and release of any lingering distress.

The body scan serves as a means to identify areas of physical tension that may indicate unresolved emotional issues, providing an opportunity for the client to address and release these tensions through mindfulness and bilateral stimulation.

Once the body scan is complete, the therapist guides the client through a closure process, ensuring that they feel grounded, centered, and emotionally stable before ending the session.

Closure involves bringing the session to a gentle conclusion, reaffirming the client's coping skills and resources, and providing a sense of closure to the processing work done during the session.

The body scan and closure phase marks the transition from the intense processing of memories to a state of relaxation and integration, allowing the client to leave the session feeling more balanced and connected to their internal resources.

Reflection and Wrap-Up

In the final stage of an EMDR therapy session, the therapist and client engage in reflection on the work done during the session, discussing insights gained, emotions experienced, and any shifts in perception or beliefs.

This reflective dialogue allows the client to process their experience, integrate the therapeutic insights, and consider how the session impacts their healing journey and daily life.

The therapist may provide additional psychoeducation, coping strategies, or homework assignments to support the client in continuing their progress outside of the therapy session.

The wrap-up phase aims to consolidate the gains made during the session, reinforce positive changes, and ensure that the client feels empowered and supported as they leave the therapeutic space.

As the session concludes, the client is encouraged to practice self-care, engage in grounding techniques, and nurture themselves as they continue their healing process between sessions, fostering ongoing growth and resilience.

Understanding an EMDR Therapy Session

We hope this outline has provided you with a clear picture of what to expect in an EMDR therapy session. Each individual experience may vary, but the overall process aims to help you process past traumas and move forward in your healing journey.