EMDR for PTSD, Trauma, and Childhood Distress: A Pathway to Healing

What to Expect from EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy involves a series of stages, each crucial for the participant’s healing process. Here’s what you can expect:

• History Taking Session: The process begins with an in-depth history-taking session where targets are set by identifying distressing memories and current situations causing emotional distress. This evaluation establishes the scope of trauma and the plan for treatment.
• Preparation and Stress Reduction: In the second session, the focus is on building internal emotional and physical supports for revisiting and confronting distressing issues. Stress reduction techniques are taught and practised so that participants can confidently implement these during and between subsequent sessions. This is a vital step for managing overwhelming emotions and ensuring participants feel safe.
• Desensitization and Reprocessing Sessions: The core of EMDR therapy consists of 3 to 6 additional sessions. During these sessions, participants will identify a vivid visual image related to the memory, a negative belief and the related emotions and/or body sensations. You will focus on these elements while engaging in the EMDR process, which includes eye movements, taps, tones and drawing movements. These bilateral stimulations create the platform to desensitize the emotional impact of the memory.
• Tracking Progress: To monitor progress and ensure continuous improvement, participants are encouraged to keep a logbook. This helps track what happens between sessions and provides insights into each individuals healing journey.
• Empowerment and Transformation: Each session concludes with a focus on empowerment. By the end of the therapy, participants will have transformed their negative experiences into positive life lessons.