If you are interested in EMDR therapy, you probably have a lot of questions about how it works. I won’t be able to address all the details in this post because EMDR is quite involved. But hopefully this overview can give you an idea of what to expect in EMDR sessions.
If you are a current client, we may start EMDR any time you are ready. If you are a new client, we will spend a few sessions getting to know one another before we start EMDR. But once we do start, here is what it will basically be like:
Session 1
Usually this is an intro session. I will teach you about the process, and start doing the first phase which is called resourcing. Resourcing is really important , and can sometimes take several sessions. Resourcing is a collection of coping and calming tools. For example, we might do a short exercise to explore a positive or calming image. We might also explore how to make the room you are in the most comfortable. Pets are invited to help! 🙂 We will also practice using the EMDR tools. This might be eye movement, sound, or movement, which is done in a “left-right” kind of way. It’s pretty different, and can be awkward when you first try it, so we can spend time just getting used to it. Probably nothing intense will be done this first session.
Here is an image of what the screen will look like if we do EMDR over Zoom. This dot will move from left to right and you watch it with your eyes. I also can use audio cues or you can learn how to use your hands to tap on your knees or shoulders.
Session 2
Depending on how far we got in session 1, we would then start trying to find something to “target” with EMDR, by brainstorming most recent triggers or events identifying any strong associations with those, and then we can work on the one that you feel most comfortable working on. One nice thing about EMDR is you can stop any time, and you can also be really specific about what you are trying to work on. Another thing to know is that this is not hypnosis. The goal of resourcing is to help you stay very present and grounded while you process things during the eye movements. You will be in control the whole time.
Session 3 and beyond
We will reflect on how that first target went for you, and depending on how you feel , we would identify a new target and continue. Or we would pause and go back to more resourcing. When we feel like the EMDR process is complete, we will wrap it up by “installing” the change that has occurred. This will be through visualizing how you might respond to prior triggers in the future. For example if you had been afraid of riding in a car, and the EMDR process had reduced that anxiety to a zero, we would then visualize in greater detail how it might feel to get in a car in the future.
What does it feel like?
Any time we decide to look at our problems it can be hard. You might feel strong emotions, but usually not any worse than a regular therapy session, and ideally it can actually feel a lot better. Sometimes EMDR can be triggering, so that is why resourcing is so important. Many people report they are able to look at the hard memories in a new way, and that they feel relief. If you ever feel too overwhelmed you can simply signal or say that you need a break , or to stop entirely. You are in charge of this process.
Helpful Videos to Learn More
A goofy animation but helpful video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKrfH43srg8&ab_channel=VENEMDR
A good explanation of trauma and how EMDR helps. At around the 5 minute mark they talk about how the session works:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pkfln-ZtWeY&list=PLyzJYMPJ1gAbLM_mKaSPVd9eLm0GUJkJt&index=4&ab_channel=EMDRInternationalAssociation