6 Steps in the EMDR Process Explained

[Zandra Hernandes]

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals heal from the emotional distress caused by traumatic experiences. As a therapist, I have seen how EMDR can significantly reduce the emotional charge of traumatic memories, enabling clients to integrate these experiences into their lives in a healthy way. In this article, I will explain the six key steps in the EMDR process to give you a clear understanding of how this therapy works.

1. History Taking and Treatment Planning

The first step in the EMDR process is an essential foundation for the therapy. During this phase, I gather a comprehensive history of the client, including details about their traumatic experiences, current symptoms, and overall mental health. This helps me understand the client’s unique situation and identify specific memories or issues that need to be addressed.

Treatment planning is equally important. Together, we identify the negative beliefs or feelings associated with the traumatic memories and develop a roadmap for therapy. This planning ensures that the EMDR sessions are tailored to the client's needs, addressing both the past trauma and any current triggers that may be contributing to their distress.

2. Preparation

Once the history-taking and treatment planning are complete, we move into the preparation phase. This step is crucial for building trust and ensuring that the client feels safe and supported throughout the EMDR process. I explain how EMDR works, what to expect during sessions, and how the bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements) will be used to help reprocess traumatic memories.
During preparation, I also teach clients various coping strategies to manage any emotional distress that may arise during or between sessions. Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and grounding exercises are often introduced to help clients maintain emotional stability throughout the therapy.

3. Assessment

In the assessment phase, we focus on a specific traumatic memory that will be the target for reprocessing. I ask the client to bring this memory to mind, along with any associated negative thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. We also identify a positive belief that the client would like to replace the negative one with, such as shifting from “I am powerless” to “I am in control.”
During this phase, the goal is to clearly define the aspects of the memory and the negative beliefs that will be addressed during the reprocessing. This sets the stage for the next phase, where the actual reprocessing of the memory occurs.

4. Desensitization

Desensitization is the heart of the EMDR process. In this step, I guide the client through bilateral stimulation while they focus on the traumatic memory. This can involve following my hand movements with their eyes, listening to alternating sounds, or experiencing tactile stimulation.
As the client recalls the memory, the bilateral stimulation helps the brain process the memory in a new way, reducing its emotional intensity. Over the course of several sessions, the distress associated with the memory typically diminishes, allowing the client to view the memory without being overwhelmed by negative emotions.

5. Installation

Once the emotional charge of the memory has been reduced, we move to the installation phase. Here, we work on strengthening the positive belief that the client identified earlier in the process. The goal is to replace the negative belief associated with the traumatic memory with a more empowering and positive one.
During this phase, I continue to use bilateral stimulation while the client focuses on the positive belief. This helps to integrate the new belief into the client’s cognitive framework, reinforcing a healthier perspective on the traumatic experience.

6. Body Scan

The final step in the EMDR process is the body scan. Trauma often leaves residual physical sensations, even after the emotional aspects have been addressed. In this phase, I ask the client to scan their body for any lingering tension, discomfort, or sensations related to the memory.

If any residual physical responses are detected, we continue with bilateral stimulation until the client feels a sense of relaxation and resolution. The body scan helps ensure that the trauma has been fully processed, both mentally and physically, providing a sense of closure and completeness.

Conclusion

The EMDR process is a powerful therapeutic approach that systematically addresses the emotional and physical impact of trauma. By following these six steps—history taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, and body scan—clients can reprocess traumatic memories in a safe and controlled manner, ultimately reducing their distress and fostering healing. If you are struggling with the lingering effects of trauma, EMDR could be a transformative tool on your journey to recovery.