What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a well-researched psychotherapy approach used to help people process trauma and distressing memories.
What is the actual EMDR session like?
EMDR uses a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from many different treatment approaches. To date, EMDR therapy has helped millions of people of all ages relieve many types of psychological stress.
8 Phases of Treatment
The length of complete treatment depends on each client's history and needs, and there is no fixed timeline (for a fuller discussion, see how long EMDR takes to work) — the pace of each phase varies from person to person. Complete treatment involves a three pronged protocol: (1) past memories, (2) present disturbance, (3) future actions. The goal of EMDR therapy is to process completely the experiences that are causing problems. "Processing" does not mean talking about it - it means setting up a learning state that will allow experiences to be "digested" and stored appropriately in your brain.
Phase 1: History and Treatment Planning
Duration: Often covered within the first session or two, though this varies by person
The therapist gathers a thorough history and develops a treatment plan. This includes discussion of the specific problem, behaviors, and symptoms. The therapist identifies specific targets: past events that created the problem, present situations causing distress, and key skills needed for future well-being.
Note: You don't have to discuss disturbing memories in detail. General information is sufficient for targeting.
Phase 2: Preparation
Duration: Varies by person — some clients need several sessions to feel steady and ready before processing begins
The clinician teaches specific techniques to rapidly deal with emotional disturbance. This phase establishes trust between client and therapist, explains EMDR theory and process, and teaches relaxation techniques for self-calming.
Phase 3: Assessment
The client selects a specific picture/scene from the target event, chooses a negative self-belief statement, and picks a positive self-statement they'd rather believe. The client rates how true the positive belief feels using the Validity of Cognition (VOC) scale (1-7) and rates disturbance using the Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD) scale (0-10).
Phase 4: Desensitization
Duration: Varies — some clients process a single trauma in a handful of sessions, others need more
Focuses on disturbing emotions and sensations. The therapist leads the person through sets of eye movements (or other stimulation) as disturbance levels are gradually reduced (commonly toward zero, or a low level if more appropriate). The pace differs for everyone. This phase allows identification and resolution of similar associated events.
Phase 5: Installation
Concentrates on increasing the strength of the positive belief identified to replace the original negative belief. The goal is for the person to accept the full truth of their positive self-statement at a level of 7 (completely true) on the VOC scale.
Phase 6: Body Scan
After the positive cognition is strengthened, the therapist asks the person to notice any residual tension in their body while bringing the original target to mind. Any physical sensations are targeted for reprocessing. An EMDR session isn't considered successful until the client can recall the original target without feeling body tension.
Phase 7: Closure
Ends every treatment session ensuring the person leaves feeling better than when they arrived. If processing isn't complete in one session, the therapist assists with self-calming techniques. The client is briefed on what to expect between sessions and given techniques for self-care.
Phase 8: Reevaluation
Opens every new session checking that positive results have been maintained, identifies new areas needing treatment, and continues reprocessing additional targets. This phase is vital for determining treatment success over time.
Past, Present and Future
Although EMDR often produces results more rapidly than traditional therapy, speed is not the goal. Every client has different needs. Treatment is not complete until EMDR therapy has focused on past memories contributing to the problem, present situations that are disturbing, and skills the client may need for the future.
EMDR in Newport Beach, CA
We are located in Newport Beach, CA (Corona Del Mar). If this guide answered your questions and you'd like to explore working with Arolyn directly, visit EMDR therapy in Newport Beach to see how she offers EMDR in person and virtually throughout California — and request a free 15-minute consultation to see whether it's the right fit.
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