What to Expect from EMDR Therapy Sessions

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a unique and effective approach to treating trauma, anxiety, and other emotional disorders. If you're considering EMDR therapy, you may be wondering what to expect from your sessions. Here's a breakdown of what typically happens during EMDR therapy sessions:


  • Assessment and Preparation: The first few sessions of EMDR therapy are dedicated to assessment and preparation. Your therapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment to gather information about your history, symptoms, and treatment goals. Together, you'll discuss your reasons for seeking therapy and establish a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

  • Target Identification: Once you and your therapist have established a treatment plan, you'll begin identifying target memories or experiences to process during EMDR therapy sessions. These may include specific traumatic events, disturbing memories, or negative beliefs about yourself.

  • Bilateral Stimulation: During EMDR therapy sessions, you'll engage in bilateral stimulation techniques, such as eye movements, hand tapping, or auditory tones, while recalling target memories or experiences. This bilateral stimulation helps stimulate the brain's natural healing processes and facilitate the processing of traumatic memories.

  • Processing: As you engage in bilateral stimulation, your therapist will guide you through the processing of target memories. You'll be encouraged to notice any thoughts, feelings, or physical sensations that arise during the processing and share them with your therapist.

  • Installation: Once the distress associated with the target memory has been reduced, your therapist will help you strengthen positive beliefs and self-esteem related to the memory. This process, known as installation, helps replace negative beliefs with more adaptive ones.

  • Body Scan: After processing target memories, you'll engage in a body scan to identify and address any residual physical sensations or emotional disturbances related to the memories. This helps ensure that the processing is thorough and complete.

  • Closure and Reevaluation: At the end of each session, your therapist will help you return to a state of equilibrium and provide strategies for self-soothing and self-care between sessions. Additionally, you'll periodically reevaluate your progress and identify any remaining areas for processing or additional treatment goals.


It's important to note that EMDR therapy can be emotionally intense at times, and you may experience a range of thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations during sessions. However, your therapist will provide a supportive and compassionate environment to help you navigate the process safely and effectively.



In conclusion, EMDR therapy offers a structured and effective approach to processing trauma, reducing emotional reactivity, and promoting healing. By engaging in bilateral stimulation techniques and guided processing, individuals can reclaim their lives, overcome past traumas, and achieve greater emotional well-being.

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