So, what exactly does EMDR therapy entail? Here’s a brief overview of the eight phases:

1. History Taking and Treatment Planning: Your therapist will take the time to understand your unique history and current symptoms, identifying specific targets for EMDR processing.
2. Client Preparation: You’ll learn about EMDR therapy and develop coping skills to manage emotional distress, ensuring you feel safe and supported throughout the process.
3. Assessment: Together with your therapist, you’ll identify specific memories or experiences to target during EMDR processing, focusing on past traumas or distressing events.
4. Desensitization: This core phase involves recalling the targeted memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as following the therapist’s hand movements with your eyes. This process helps reduce the emotional intensity associated with the memory.
5. Installation: Positive beliefs and emotions are strengthened to replace negative ones associated with the targeted memory. You’ll identify positive self-affirmations to reinforce during EMDR processing.
6. Body Scan: Your therapist will help you notice any residual tension or discomfort in your body related to the targeted memory, using bilateral stimulation to release any remaining physical sensations.
7. Closure: Each session ends with ensuring you’re in a calm state, and you’re encouraged to practice self-soothing techniques between sessions to manage any remaining distress.
8. Reevaluation: Your therapist will reassess your progress in subsequent sessions, identifying new targets for EMDR processing and addressing any remaining distress or related memories.

EMDR therapy offers a unique and holistic approach to healing, empowering you to process past traumas and reclaim your life. If you’re ready to embark on a journey of healing and transformation, consider EMDR therapy as part of your treatment plan.

Take the first step towards healing today and discover the transformative power of EMDR therapy. Your healing journey starts here.