EMDR Therapy Can  change your life.

What are the 8 phases of EMDR Therapy?

The truth is that while EMDR therapy is a structured approach, with key phases that must be worked through, my approach blends the first two phases like a beautiful symphony. My aim is to make it a natural progression and flow that feels right for the client, assessing from the moment you walk in the door and setting you up with tools beginning in the first session. Before ever reaching phase 3 (target assessment), the beginning reprocessing phase, you’ll already feel like you’re connecting the pieces and expanding your understanding of yourself.

Phase 1: History & Treatment Planning

In our first sessions, we'll take some time to get to know each other. The first thing we discuss (after confidentiality of course) is what your goals are for therapy. If you could walk away with anything from this experience, what would that be? While your goals may change throughout treatment, your initial answer helps us begin creating a plan to accomplish those goals. This question also leads us into talking about your current functioning in life. After we get a general idea about your current functioning we will start from the beginning with history taking (yes, I mean from gestation onward). As we go along in your history we’ll “zoom in” as I ask more specific questions and “zoom out” as we start to uncover and connect themes across the lifespan. History taking can take approximately 2-4 sessions depending on age, emotional regulation, and amount of life events.

Phase 2: Preparation

Preparation is an important step and it often begins in your first session as we do some gentle gauging of overall emotional activation and nervous system attunement. Throughout our initial phases I'll provide you with tools—coping strategies and relaxation techniques—to ensure you feel ready for reprocessing and your time between sessions. I’ll help you get comfortable attuning to your body and responding to your needs (not just trying to shut them up). This work is important in building on positive neural pathways as we get ready for reprocessing which decreases negative neural pathways.

Phase 3: Assessment

Throughout the first two phases, we'll work together to identify specific memories or issues you want to focus on. Your input is crucial as we prioritize and plan our approach to target these areas effectively. Using your nervous system as a guide, we’ll decide which memories or themes to focus on first along with what type of processing will benefit you most. Once that is decided we’ll set up the memory/theme (aka “target”) for processing.

Phase 4: Desensitization

This is phase that most people think of when talking about EMDR—it’s also what they typically give all the credit to. Using non-invasive bilateral stimulation techniques (i.e. self tapping or vibrating electric tappers), we'll process the targeted memories. The goal is to ease the emotional weight and move towards resolution. I’ll be there the whole time as a guide for you, helping with creative interweaves and direction as needed. Our goal is to take the memory’s activation or distress level down to a neutral state — what we might refer to as a “zero” on a “Subjective Units of Distress” scale.

Phase 5: Installation

In this phase, we'll shift our focus to positive beliefs. I'll guide you in cultivating and embracing these positive thoughts, gradually replacing any lingering negative beliefs. By the time this phase rolls around you will be experiencing more positive emotions and for some a sense of euphoria or great relief. The purpose of this phase is to continue the development and reinforcement of positive, adaptive networks in your brain.

Phase 6: Body Scan

We’ll check-in to ensure you're feeling physically and emotionally grounded. This phase involves scanning your body for any residual tension or discomfort and addressing it if needed.

Phase 7: Closure

As we conclude our session, I'll make sure you're in a stable state. This closure is designed to leave you feeling complete and secure, ready to carry the progress we've made into your daily life. If you were unable to complete a full target during your processing session, we’ll utilize time at the end to do containment and calm place imagery as needed.

Phase 8: Re-evaluation

Together, we'll review the changes and improvements you've experienced. Any remaining concerns or areas for further exploration will be addressed. This is a collaborative reflection on your journey.

These eight phases form the foundation of our work together. I'm here to guide and support you through each step, tailoring our approach to your unique needs. Your journey is important, and I'm committed to helping you achieve the positive changes you're seeking. If you have other questions about this process please reach out.