When you first hear about EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, it might sound a bit mysterious. You may wonder what actually happens during a session and how this therapy could help with trauma, anxiety, or other mental health issues. In this blog, we'll walk you through what EMDR therapy looks like, so you can feel more informed and confident if you’re considering it as an option.
The Basics of EMDR
EMDR is a form of psychotherapy that was initially developed to help people process traumatic memories. The idea behind EMDR is that your brain can heal from psychological trauma much like your body can recover from physical trauma. Sometimes, when you experience something deeply distressing, your brain struggles to process the event, leaving you with lingering symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, or emotional numbness. EMDR helps you reprocess these memories so they become less distressing and more manageable.
The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy typically unfolds over eight distinct phases. Here’s what you can expect during each phase:
1. History-Taking and Treatment Planning
Your therapist will start by getting to know you and understanding your history. They’ll ask about your past experiences, your current symptoms, and what you hope to achieve with EMDR. This phase is all about building a picture of your emotional landscape so that the therapy can be tailored to your needs.
2. Preparation
During this phase, your therapist will explain the EMDR process and make sure you’re comfortable with it. You’ll learn some relaxation techniques or coping strategies that you can use if you start to feel overwhelmed during the sessions. The goal here is to help you feel safe and ready for the work ahead.
3. Assessment
In this phase, you and your therapist will identify specific memories or incidents that are causing distress. You’ll focus on a particular memory and bring to mind the image, thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations associated with it. You’ll also rate the intensity of the distress on a scale of 0 to 10.
4. Desensitization
This is where the EMDR process kicks into high gear. You’ll be asked to focus on the distressing memory while simultaneously engaging in a form of bilateral stimulation, such as following the therapist’s hand movements with your eyes, listening to alternating tones, or feeling taps on your hands. This dual focus helps your brain reprocess the memory so that it loses its emotional charge.
5. Installation
Once the distress associated with the memory has decreased, your therapist will help you focus on a positive belief or thought that you want to replace the negative one with. For example, if you’ve been feeling powerless, you might work on instilling a belief like “I am in control of my life.”
6. Body Scan
During this phase, you’ll pay attention to how your body feels as you think about the positive belief. The idea is to ensure that no lingering tension or discomfort remains in your body when recalling the memory. If any physical sensations of distress are present, they’ll be processed through more bilateral stimulation.
7. Closure
At the end of each session, your therapist will help you return to a state of calm and relaxation. You’ll discuss how you’re feeling and whether you need to practice any of the coping techniques you learned earlier. The goal is to leave the session feeling grounded, even if the processing of certain memories isn’t fully complete.
8. Reevaluation
In subsequent sessions, you’ll review the progress you’ve made and assess whether any memories still need further processing. Your therapist will also check if any new memories or issues have surfaced that require attention. This phase ensures that your healing continues in a thorough and supportive way.
What Does EMDR Feel Like?
You might be curious about what it actually feels like to undergo EMDR therapy. Everyone’s experience is different, but many people report feeling a range of emotions during the sessions—sometimes relief, sometimes discomfort. It’s normal to feel tired or emotionally drained afterward, but many also find that, over time, their symptoms improve, and they start to feel more at peace with their past.
Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR is widely recognized as an effective treatment for trauma, but it’s also used to address anxiety, depression, and even phobias. If you’re struggling with distressing memories or feelings that won’t seem to go away, EMDR might be worth considering. It’s a process that requires commitment and trust, but many people find that the results are life-changing.
EMDR Therapy in California
Starting therapy can be a big step, and it’s natural to have questions and concerns. Understanding what EMDR therapy looks like can help you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right fit for you. Whether you’re dealing with trauma, anxiety, or something else, EMDR could be a powerful tool to help you find peace and resilience.
Remember, your therapist is there to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that you feel supported and safe as you embark on your healing journey.
If you would like to learn more about EMDR therapy in Los Angeles, California, please contact us to book your free 15-minute consultation.
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