Illustration of the 8 phases of EMDR therapy: 1. History Taking with a therapist and client, 2. Preparation with clients engaging in a calming activity, 3. Assessment with a client and therapist visualizing disturbing thoughts, 4. Desensitization with a client and therapist during a session, 5. Installation with a therapist talking to a client, 6. Body Scan with a client visualizing surroundings, 7. Closure with a client and therapist discussing, 8. Revaluation with a client and therapist discussing progress, centered around an eye illustration symbolizing EMDR.

What does EMDR therapy look like?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy was created in the 1980s by Robin Shapiro. It was first used with military veterans experiencing PTSD from war combat and has been widely used with a host of other presenting issues such as anxiety, depression, OCD, and attachment wounds. It consists of 8 Phases: 

Phase 1: History taking - building rapport, getting to know your history, identifying negative cognitions and beliefs, and target planning.

Phase 2: Client preparation - Learning and practicing new coping strategies and resources to widen your window of tolerance and deal with distressing memories, emotions, or body sensations that may result from reprocessing.

Phase 3: Assessment - Activate distressing target, assess distress and validity levels, identify body sensations and emotions associated with the target.

Phase 4: Desensitization - Often considered by clients as the reprocessing phase. We focus on target memory and use bilateral stimulation (BLS) to work through the target and reduce distress levels.

Phase 5: Installation - Using BLS, adopt, install, and strengthen positive beliefs identified during the assessment phase.

Phase 6: Body scan - Assess what is happening in the body when we return to target to determine if any distress is remaining. If distress is still remaining in the body, we return to Phase 4, but if not, we move on to Phase 7.

Phase 7: Closure - Utilize resources learned in Phase 2 to return to balance and calm.

Phase 8: Reevaluation of treatment effect - At the next session, we will return to the target to reevaluate the effectiveness of treatment to determine if more reprocessing is needed or if the target beliefs have changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Description text goes hereNo. While EMDR is a powerful and effective therapy, it is not a one-session cure. Healing from trauma and anxiety often involves multiple memories, beliefs, and nervous system responses that developed over time. EMDR works best when there is adequate preparation, emotional safety, and pacing.

    Before reprocessing begins, time is spent building coping skills and stability so the work doesn’t feel overwhelming. As therapy progresses, additional experiences may surface that also need attention. Some people notice relief early on, but lasting change typically occurs over multiple sessions.

    EMDR is not a quick fix—but it is a structured, evidence-based approach that supports deep and sustainable healing.

  • There isn’t a set number of EMDR sessions, because healing looks different for everyone. Some people notice meaningful shifts in a few sessions, while others need more time—especially if they’ve experienced long-term trauma, anxiety, or multiple distressing events.

    EMDR is not just about processing a single memory. Sessions often include preparation, building coping skills, and allowing your nervous system to feel safe and stable. As therapy progresses, additional memories or patterns may surface that also need attention. The pace is guided by your needs, readiness, and goals.

    Rather than focusing on a specific number of sessions, EMDR focuses on helping you experience lasting relief, greater emotional balance, and a stronger sense of safety in your life.

  • The number of sessions before EMDR reprocessing begins varies from person to person. Some clients may be ready to begin reprocessing within a few sessions, while others benefit from more time in the preparation phase.

    Before starting reprocessing, your therapist focuses on building safety, trust, and emotional stability. This includes understanding your history, identifying treatment goals, and developing coping and grounding skills so your nervous system can tolerate the work without becoming overwhelmed. For individuals with complex trauma, long-term stress, or high anxiety, this phase may take longer—and that’s a normal and important part of the process.

    Reprocessing begins when you and your therapist determine that your system is ready, not based on a fixed timeline. This thoughtful pacing helps ensure EMDR is both effective and supportive of lasting healing.

  • EMDR is considered a safe and well-researched therapy, but like any trauma-focused treatment, some people may experience temporary side effects—especially during or after reprocessing sessions.

    Common, short-term effects can include feeling emotionally tired, experiencing vivid dreams, noticing increased emotions, or feeling more sensitive for a short period of time. Some clients report that memories or feelings surface between sessions as the brain continues to process. These reactions are typically temporary and often lessen as therapy progresses.

    Less commonly, EMDR can feel intense or activating if a person begins reprocessing before they feel adequately prepared. This is why EMDR includes a preparation phase focused on safety, stabilization, and coping skills. Sessions are paced carefully, and reprocessing is adjusted or paused if it becomes overwhelming.

    I will work closely with you to monitor how you’re feeling and to ensure the process remains supportive and manageable. Any concerns or reactions can be discussed and addressed in session.

    While EMDR can bring up difficult emotions, it is designed to reduce distress over time—not increase it—and to support healing in a way that respects your nervous system and readiness.

  • EMDR is an evidence-based therapy shown to be effective for a wide range of symptoms related to trauma, stress, and emotional distress. It is most commonly used to treat PTSD and trauma-related symptoms, but it can also be helpful for anxiety, panic, depression, grief, phobias, and chronic stress.

    EMDR is often effective for individuals who experience intrusive memories, emotional reactivity, negative self-beliefs, difficulty feeling safe, or feeling “stuck” despite past therapy. It can also support healing from childhood trauma, attachment wounds, medical trauma, accidents, and other overwhelming life experiences.

    Rather than focusing solely on diagnoses, EMDR targets how distressing experiences are stored in the brain. By helping the brain reprocess these experiences, EMDR can reduce symptoms and support greater emotional regulation, resilience, and overall well-being.