What is EMDR Like?

As a trauma therapist, I’m often asked if there are alternative approaches to traditional talk therapy, and that’s when I love to talk about EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). So what is EMDR like?

EMDR is an eight‑phase psychotherapy technique designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR involves a structured eight‑phase approach: history‑taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and re‑evaluation.

The process: what is EMDR like in practice?

1. Initial consultation and history‑taking – During the initial sessions we explore the client’s history and identify traumatic events or distressing memories that need addressing. This stage is crucial for building trust and understanding the client’s unique experiences.
2. Preparation – In this phase, I help the client develop coping strategies and ensure they feel safe and comfortable with the EMDR process. We discuss what EMDR is like and what they can expect in the upcoming sessions; this is crucial because I want you to feel safe and regulated before we begin processing.
3. Assessment – We identify specific memories or incidents to target. This involves selecting a vivid image related to the memory, recognizing associated negative beliefs, and establishing a desired positive belief.
4. Desensitization – Here the core of EMDR begins. The client focuses on the traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements. Other forms of stimulation can include taps or auditory tones. This process helps reduce the emotional intensity of the memory.
5. Installation – We work on strengthening the positive belief identified earlier. Through continued bilateral stimulation, the new, positive belief replaces the negative one, helping the client reframe their experience.
6. Body scan – This phase ensures that the body has fully processed the trauma. The client is asked to focus on the traumatic memory and notice any residual physical sensations. Any lingering distress is addressed through further processing.
7. Closure – Each session ends with closure, ensuring the client feels stable and grounded. Techniques like guided imagery or relaxation exercises are used to bring the client back to a state of calm.
8. Re‑evaluation – At the start of subsequent sessions, we review progress and determine if additional processing is needed. This ensures the client’s continued improvement and adaptation to the EMDR process.

Client experiences: what is EMDR like?

Clients often describe their EMDR experience as “interesting, effective and sometimes intense.” EMDR can bring us to healing and resolution at a deeper level of processing that may take years for traditional cognitive therapy styles to reach.

In summary, EMDR is unique, effective and transformative. Finding the right EMDR therapist who will make your treatment personalized, safe and be an effective guide is crucial. If you want to learn more about EMDR and what it’s like in my practice, shoot me an email at deanna@radiantlifecounselingaz.com!