Have you ever wondered what EMDR therapy really looks like in action? Maybe you've heard about its effectiveness, but you're curious about what happens during a session. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful tool for healing trauma, anxiety, and emotional pain, but it’s natural to want to know more before diving in. Let me walk you through what to expect from an EMDR session—step by step—so you can feel more prepared and confident if you decide to give it a try.
What Happens During an EMDR Session?
EMDR therapy isn’t like your typical talk therapy session. Yes, there’s still conversation, but it’s structured a bit differently. Here’s how it typically plays out:
1. History & Treatment Planning:
During the first session, we’ll spend time talking about your history, focusing on past traumas and current struggles. This helps me understand your specific needs. Together, we’ll identify key memories or triggers to target during our work together. This is also the time when we decide if EMDR Intensive Therapy is a good fit—especially if you’re looking for faster results.
2. Preparation:
Before we dive into reprocessing, I’ll teach you techniques to help manage stress or discomfort if things get overwhelming. I want you to feel safe and in control throughout the entire process. It’s all about creating a sense of security so you can face tough memories without feeling flooded by emotions.
3. Assessment:
Next, we’ll focus on a specific traumatic memory. I’ll ask you to recall the memory and identify the negative beliefs that come up with it (e.g., "I’m powerless" or "I’m not good enough"). You’ll also rate the distress level the memory causes you and identify where you feel it in your body.
4. Desensitization:
This is the part that’s unique to EMDR. While you focus on the memory, I’ll guide you through bilateral stimulation (like moving your eyes back and forth or tapping on your hands). This helps your brain process the memory in a new way, reducing its emotional charge. We keep going until the memory no longer feels distressing.
5. Installation:
Now that the distress has lessened, we’ll replace those old, negative beliefs with new, positive ones. For example, you might move from thinking, “I’m powerless” to “I am strong and in control.” This is when healing truly takes root.
6. Body Scan:
After working through the memory, I’ll ask you to scan your body for any lingering tension. This helps ensure that the memory no longer causes physical discomfort, which is often a sign that the trauma has been fully processed.
7. Closure:
We’ll close the session with grounding exercises to make sure you leave feeling safe and calm. You’ll also have the tools you need to keep feeling balanced between sessions.
8. Reevaluation:
At the start of the next session, we’ll check in to see how you’re feeling about the processed memory and whether there are any new areas to address. Healing is a process, and each session builds on the last.
What Does EMDR Feel Like?
Many people describe EMDR as intense but ultimately freeing. During the bilateral stimulation, emotions might come up, but you won’t feel as overwhelmed by them as you might expect. The beauty of EMDR is that your brain does most of the work—reprocessing memories and emotions while you’re guided through the steps. Afterward, most people report feeling lighter, as if a weight has been lifted.
Who Is EMDR For?
While EMDR is widely known for treating trauma and PTSD, it’s also highly effective for:
Anxiety and panic disorders: If you struggle with chronic anxiety, EMDR can help.
Depression: Sometimes unprocessed trauma contributes to depression, and EMDR can help alleviate that.
Women healing from childhood emotional neglect: EMDR is especially powerful for working through complex emotional wounds from childhood.
Mothers raising children with food allergies: If you’re constantly managing your child’s allergies and feel overwhelmed, EMDR can help reduce anxiety and stress related to caregiving.
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Key Takeaways about EMDR In Action:
EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories, making them less emotionally charged.
Sessions follow a structured 8-phase process, but every experience is personalized to your needs.
EMDR can be highly effective for trauma, anxiety, depression, and even the stresses that come with caregiving.
At Olson Counseling Services, I offer Telehealth EMDR Intensives for residents in Florida and Wisconsin
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does an EMDR session last?
A: Typically, an EMDR session lasts about 60-90 minutes, but I offer intensives that can last a 3 to 5 hours for those wanting faster results.
Q: Is EMDR effective through telehealth?
A: Absolutely! EMDR works just as well over video calls, and many clients appreciate the convenience of doing it from home. I offer telehealth for residents of Florida and Wisconsin.
Q: Will EMDR make me relive my trauma?
A: EMDR helps you process trauma without needing to relive every detail. You focus on the memory, but the bilateral stimulation keeps you from being overwhelmed by the emotions.
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Sources:
EMDRIA (EMDR International Association: https://www.emdria.org
Study on EMDR’s effectiveness in PTSD: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3951033/
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Are you ready to take the next step toward healing? Whether you’re dealing with trauma, anxiety, or emotional burnout from caregiving, I’m here to help. At Olson Counseling Services, I provide EMDR Intensive Therapy and telehealth options to residents in Florida and Wisconsin. Visit www.olson-counseling.com/contact to book a consultation today!
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