You’ve heard about EMDR. Perhaps you’ve had someone close tell you about their experience of EMDR sessions.
But you wonder, “What is an EMDR session like?” In this article, we will dive deep into the intricacies of EMDR sessions, drawing from a variety of experiences and insights to give you a comprehensive understanding of what to expect.
In this article, I’ll describe to you the typical flow of EMDR sessions, including the structure, the techniques used, and the emotional journey that may unfold as we process memories and experiences.
Your First EMDR Session
The first time we meet, I will do my best to help you feel comfortable talking about personal things. I will ask you questions to help me learn about you, your history, and your goals. Understanding your background is crucial as it shapes the approach we take. We will come up with a plan about how to work together effectively, targeting specific areas to ensure you achieve the best possible result. It’s essential to create a safe environment where you can express yourself freely and openly.
During our initial sessions, I’ll guide our conversation so that together we can establish what we call “EMDR targets.” This means we’ll decide what we will focus our attention on. These targets are usually memories, personal issues, beliefs, or sensations that have caused distress. Understanding these targets allows us to navigate through your emotional landscape effectively, addressing the core issues that need healing.
I’ll help you come up with an image of a “Safe place,” or a comforting and calming image that resonates with you. From time to time, we’ll return to this image as a mental refuge throughout our sessions. To facilitate the processing of emotions connected to our targets, we will incorporate gentle, rhythmic eye movements, or sounds using a wand or a light bar. In EMDR, this is known as Bilateral Stimulation (BLS). The BLS technique plays a vital role in helping your brain and nervous system strengthen their ability to feel calm and comfortable, allowing for deeper emotional processing.
Throughout the EMDR session, I’ll ask you to direct your attention to specific thoughts, images, feelings, or body reactions. While you engage with these prompts, you will also focus on the alternating lights or sounds. This dual attention is a core component of EMDR and helps unlock your brain’s innate ability to heal. Many clients report feeling a sense of release and relief as they process their emotions in this way.
Your Subsequent EMDR sessions.
At the beginning of the next EMDR session, I’ll ask you for an update. I’ll be curious to know how the previous session sat with you. Did you experience any insights or shifts in your emotions? Have you noticed any changes in yourself since the last EMDR session? This reflective practice is crucial, as it allows us to assess the progress you’ve made. Then, we will return to the previous week’s target and do some further assessment to see if there is more therapeutic work to do or if processing that target is complete. This ongoing dialogue ensures that your needs are met and that we are continually moving forward in your healing journey.
If you are curious about the outcomes of EMDR therapy, many clients report significant improvements in their mental health, including reduced anxiety, improved mood, and a greater sense of emotional resilience. The healing process is unique for everyone, and your journey may unfold differently from others, but the transformative potential of EMDR is well-documented.
It’s also important to acknowledge the variety of experiences people have during EMDR sessions. While some may find the process straightforward, others may encounter difficult emotions or memories. This is a normal part of the healing journey. As your therapist, my role is to guide you through these challenges and provide support as you process your experiences. Together, we will navigate through any discomfort that arises, ensuring you feel safe and supported throughout the process.
Many individuals ask about the duration and frequency of EMDR sessions. Typically, sessions last from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on individual needs and the complexity of the issues being addressed. In terms of frequency, many clients benefit from weekly sessions, particularly during the initial stages of their recovery. However, this schedule can be adjusted based on your progress and comfort level. The goal is to create a supportive framework that aligns with your healing process.
If you would like to learn more about my work as an EMDR therapist and how EMDR sessions might help you, click here.
