What really happens in an EMDR session?

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In the initial stages of therapy, you will have the opportunity to share your story, current triggers, and concerns that you want to address.

You will also work on developing tools that support your ability to cope with emotions.

 

As therapy progresses, you will begin processing a specific memory through bi-lateral stimulation (BLS). Bi-lateral stimulation (BLS) is used while bringing the identified memory to mind and allowing your brain to process it freely.

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During this process, you are engaged in noticing what comes up- this might look like noticing what you feel, sense, think, believe, or remember while in the safety of the therapeutic space.

 

When we experience trauma, our system is overwhelmed and unable to fully process what has happened. EMDR supports you in rewiring and reprocessing memories that were never fully integrated, which impacts our belief systems and experiences of being triggered.

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EMDR occurs in the context of 8 different phases:

Phase 1 – History Taking & Treatment Planning

We’ll explore your history, noting any significant memories or unprocessed experiences that could be an underlying cause of your current experience of distress. We will work together to create a plan for moving forward with processing those memories. This information sets the stage for your EMDR practice.

Phase 2 - Preparation

You will learn new skills that you can use between and in session. We’ll work together to identify what works best for you as an individual. We will also discuss the flow of EMDR sessions, so you have accurate information about what you can expect.

Phase 3 - Assessment

You will be asked questions that support you in connecting with the target memory before re-processing, using BLS (bi-lateral stimulation). Questions asked will explore the level of disturbance that you currently feel, bodily sensations that you may notice, and negative beliefs held in connection to the memory.

Phase 4 - Desensitization 

Using bi-lateral stimulation (BLS), such as eye-movement or tapping, you will focus on an identified target memory and allow your brain to process in the safety of my office. During this phase, you will be encouraged to notice any thoughts, sensations, or feelings that are experienced. Through this process, your initial level of distress experienced should decrease.

Phase 5 - Installation 

You will be encouraged to hold positive beliefs while engaging in further bi-lateral stimulation. The aim is to integrate the positive cognition into the memory.

Phase 6 - Body Scan

You will be guided to check in with your bodily sensations and process any residual disturbance that remains, working towards feeling grounded and calm.

Phase 7 - Closure

Closure is a time of reflecting on the reprocessing experience and reviewing forms of coping and/or integrating other supports as appropriate.

Phase 8 - Reassessment

You will review your experience from the previous session, review any changes you’ve noticed, process any insights that may have occurred between sessions, etc. This is also a time where we will choose your next target memory for reprocessing (once the previous target memory has been addressed).

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