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A Step-by-Step Look at What Occurs During an EMDR Session

 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a structured approach used to assist individuals recover from traumatic experiences, anxiety, panic attacks, and different distressing memories. Developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro within the late Eighties, EMDR has turn out to be a widely acknowledged methodology for treating trauma-related conditions equivalent to publish-traumatic stress dysfunction (PTSD). If you happen to’ve ever wondered what an EMDR session truly includes, this guide takes you through every section so that you know precisely what to expect.

 

 

1. The Initial Session and Preparation

 

 

The EMDR process begins with an assessment session the place your therapist gathers information about your history, present challenges, and goals for therapy. This phase helps the therapist determine whether or not EMDR is appropriate for you.

 

 

Throughout this stage, you’ll additionally discuss any previous traumatic occasions, emotional triggers, and signs you wish to address. The therapist will clarify how EMDR works and answer questions to ensure you feel comfortable and informed.

 

 

Preparation additionally includes learning self-soothing techniques—resembling breathing exercises, visualization, or grounding methods—that help you stay calm during or after a session. These tools are essential for maintaining emotional balance throughout the treatment process.

 

 

2. Identifying Target Recollections

 

 

When you and your therapist are ready to start, the next step is to determine the precise recollections that will be processed. These could embrace traumatic experiences, distressing ideas, or painful emotions that proceed to have an effect on your daily life.

 

 

Each goal memory is analyzed in terms of three parts:

 

 

The image that represents the worst part of the memory

 

 

The negative perception about yourself linked to that event

 

 

The physical sensations or emotions you feel when recalling it

 

 

You’ll additionally create a positive perception to replace the negative one—reminiscent of transforming "I am energyless" into "I am in control now."

 

 

3. Desensitization: The Eye Movement Process

 

 

This is the core of EMDR therapy. Throughout desensitization, the therapist asks you to deal with the chosen memory while simultaneously guiding your eye movements from side to side. This is often done by following the therapist’s fingers, a moving light, or rhythmic sounds.

 

 

These bilateral stimulations are thought to help the brain reprocess the memory, reducing its emotional intensity. Because the session continues, chances are you'll discover the memory turning into less vivid or distressing. Some clients experience new insights or connections as their brain integrates the expertise in a healthier way.

 

 

4. Set up of Positive Beliefs

 

 

Once the misery across the target memory decreases, the therapist helps you strengthen the positive perception you created earlier. You’ll concentrate on that perception—reminiscent of "I am safe now" or "I'm strong"—while continuing the eye movement stimulation.

 

 

This step helps reinforce a more adaptive way of thinking and builds emotional resilience. The goal is for the positive perception to feel true on both a cognitive and emotional level.

 

 

5. Body Scan

 

 

After the positive perception is put in, your therapist will guide you through a body scan. You’ll mentally check for any lingering physical stress or discomfort related to the memory. When you still feel any unease, additional processing could take place until your body feels calm and relaxed.

 

 

This step ensures that the healing isn't just mental but also physical, helping you achieve a way of complete relief.

 

 

6. Closure and Reflection

 

 

Every EMDR session ends with a closure phase. Your therapist ensures you leave the session feeling stable and grounded, even if the processing isn’t absolutely complete. You might be asked to make use of the relief strategies learned earlier if any residual distress arises.

 

 

You’ll additionally focus on what you seen during the session—similar to emotions, images, or ideas that surfaced—and the way you feel afterward. It’s frequent for processing to proceed between periods, so journaling or reflection may also help track your progress.

 

 

7. Reevaluation

 

 

On the start of your subsequent session, your therapist will check how you’re feeling and overview the progress made. If the target memory still causes distress, additional processing will occur. If not, you’ll move on to new targets. This ongoing evaluation helps make sure that all features of trauma are successfully addressed over time.

 

 

EMDR therapy is a strong tool for healing emotional wounds and restoring mental balance. By following this structured, proof-based process, individuals often discover relief from painful reminiscences and begin to rebuild their sense of safety, confidence, and well-being.

 

 

With a trained EMDR therapist, recovery turns into not just doable—however really transformative.

Website: https://www.empowermytherapy.com/about-us

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