What Happens During an EMDR Therapy Session?

If you are thinking about EMDR therapy, you may have questions about what actually happens during a session.

Will you have to describe everything that happened to you? Will you be asked to close your eyes? What if you become upset? And how will you know when you are ready?

These are reasonable questions. Understanding the process can make it easier to decide whether you want to explore EMDR with a therapist.

EMDR Is a Structured Therapy

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a structured psychotherapy that includes eight phases. The phases help the therapist and client assess concerns, prepare for treatment, work with selected memories or experiences, and review progress.

Not every phase takes place in every session. The process and pacing vary depending on the individual and treatment plan.

The Beginning: History, Goals, and Preparation

Early sessions typically focus on understanding what brings you to therapy, learning about your history, identifying goals, and considering whether EMDR is a good fit.

Preparation is an important part of the process. Your therapist may explain how EMDR works, discuss what you might experience, and help you develop ways to manage distress and stay grounded.

You should have opportunities to ask questions and share concerns before beginning memory processing.

What Is Bilateral Stimulation?

During certain phases, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation. This may involve following the therapist’s fingers with your eyes, alternating taps, or alternating sounds.

Your therapist will guide you through sets of stimulation while you attend to aspects of a selected experience. You may be asked to notice what comes up, such as a thought, image, feeling, or body sensation.

The therapist helps you stay connected to the present and monitors how you are responding.

Do I Have to Tell the Whole Story?

Not necessarily. EMDR does not always require a detailed verbal retelling of the experience. Your therapist will need enough information to assess and plan treatment, but how much you discuss can vary.

You can ask your therapist what information is needed and let them know if you are worried about discussing particular details.

What If I Become Overwhelmed?

Your therapist should discuss how to pause, communicate distress, and return attention to the present. Preparation and pacing are part of responsible treatment.

You can ask in advance what you and your therapist will do if you begin to feel overwhelmed, including how to stop or take a break.

EMDR should be conducted by a properly trained and licensed mental health professional, within their scope of practice.

How Long Does EMDR Take?

There is no single timeline that applies to everyone. Treatment length depends on factors such as the concerns being addressed, your history, your goals, and how you respond to therapy. EMDR Therapy can be done in person and in online therapy sessions.

Your therapist can discuss a treatment plan with you and review it as your needs or progress change.

Questions Are Welcome

You do not need to know everything about EMDR before your first conversation with a therapist. You can begin by asking what the process involves and whether it might be suitable for you.

To learn more, visit Gaining Grace LLC’s EMDR Therapy page or reach out to discuss your questions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR  

Hey, I'm Brooke -- I'm a licensed anxiety and addiction therapist serving individuals, adolescents, and couples in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Florida. My experience brings both a personal and professional perspective to the work that I do with my clients. If you are interested in learning more about the therapy process and would like to schedule a free consultation, I would love to schedule a free, ten-minute phone consultation with you!

This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized mental health care.