Here, I will continue the ‘What to Expect in EMDR Therapy’ Series. Once it is determined that you are a good fit for EMDR therapy in Phase 1, preparation can begin. Those who use EMDR therapy often have endured trauma, abuse, and are stuck in negative thought patterns about themselves. Proper preparation is vital to the success of EMDR therapy. If this does not happen, the client may be unable to handle reprocessing and may even be retraumatized. Proper preparation involves an Explanation of how EMDR Therapy works, a demonstration of the mechanics of EMDR Therapy, Addressing Questions and Fears, and Building Resources.
Explanation of EMDR Therapy
You can expect a brief explanation of the theory behind EMDR therapy during this phase. The information should be provided in a way that is easy to understand. Some key points are that traumatic memories get “stuck” in the brain in a way that they are easily triggered when a reminder comes up. These stuck memories can lead to negative feelings and thoughts. The eye movements in EMDR help release these memories so they are no longer stuck, and your brain can heal. During EMDR therapy, your brain does the healing on its own, and you are the one in control.
Mechanics of EMDR Therapy
Before real processing begins, you can expect a sort of dress rehearsal of what EMDR looks like. The therapist will demonstrate the eye movements to you and experiment with the speed and direction of the movements. You will also be instructed to process the memory by viewing it as if it were playing on a movie screen or as if you were watching it pass by like scenery outside a car window. You are not meant to experience the memory as if you were in it. You will begin with the memory, but your brain may decide to go elsewhere. Follow your brain wherever it leads you because it knows where it needs to go to heal. As you play the memory in your mind, you will be doing the eye movements that engage the healing. After around 20 passes back and forth, you will pause and tell the therapist what you are noticing. When you are ready, you begin the eye movements again. You will also develop a signal to stop the processing at any time.
Addressing Questions and Fears
If you have any fears or questions at any time during therapy, you should let your clinician know. Doing so in Phase 2 has the benefit of these being figured out before processing starts. Clients often fear they will go crazy, not be able to handle the processing, or never make it out of the traumatic memory. Fortunately, these things have never been observed in EMDR therapy. Some clients feel shame or guilt about sharing memories. If this is the case, it is not necessary to share the memory with the therapist. EMDR therapy takes place inside your head. There is no need to share the memory with the therapist if you do not want to. If you find yourself not wanting to process memories or even one particular memory, it is important that you do not do so. You should only do what you are able and willing to do. Alternate ways of helping can be provided if you feel this is not right for you.
Building Resources
In EMDR therapy, resources are strategies a client can use to calm down and stabilize their mind and body. Resources are necessary to safely process difficult and traumatic memories that fuel negative thoughts and feelings. One common resource is called Calm/ Safe Place, in which you will be guided in creating a place in your mind you can go to for peace, calm, and safety. Another common resource is the Container exercise in which you will be guided in creating a container into which you place your negative thoughts, feelings, and trauma to be worked on another day. This is also the phase where the therapist will help you stabilize your life enough to proceed with processing if this is something you need.
What to Expect?
You can expect this phase to take a minimum of 3 sessions. However, many more sessions may be necessary depending on your circumstances. Your therapist will explain to you the theory behind EMDR therapy and how it is done. They will also address any questions or fears you may have. You will learn various resources from your therapist designed to maintain stability and calm in your mind and body. You will also be guided in stabilizing your life circumstances if necessary. By the end of this phase, you should feel confident in your ability to safely process traumatic memories and in your ability to trust your therapist.