Are you tired of being haunted by distressing memories? Seeking relief from the weight of past trauma? Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy could be your answer.

In essence, EMDR therapy operates on the belief that we all have an innate ability to heal from life's difficulties. Usually, we process these experiences on our own or with the support of loved ones, integrating our emotions, beliefs, and bodily sensations. This natural process, called "processing," allows us to understand the event, gain valuable insights, and no longer be disturbed by it.

However, some experiences are too overwhelming to process alone. That's where an EMDR therapist steps in, helping you "reprocess" these experiences. This therapeutic approach jump-starts your natural processing system, gradually transforming overwhelming memories into ones that no longer disrupt your life. The eight phases serve as your compass on this transformative journey.

Here's a glimpse of your roadmap:

Phase 1 - Setting the Foundation

: You and your therapist lay the groundwork by discussing your reasons for seeking therapy and how EMDR can best assist you. Together, you develop a treatment plan, considering the pace of therapy and selecting the traumatic events to address. This phase also involves assessing your internal and external resources.

Phase 2 - Preparation for the Journey

: Your therapist familiarizes you with the EMDR process, clarifying terms and setting expectations. Any concerns or questions are addressed to establish a secure therapeutic alliance. Together, you prepare techniques to cope with any emotional turbulence that might arise, ensuring you're ready for the journey ahead.

Phase 3 - Mapping Your Target

: In the assessment phase, you identify the event to reprocess (your "target event") along with the associated images, beliefs, feelings, and sensations. Baseline measures are established using the Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD) and the Validity of Cognition (VOC) scales.

Now, let's delve into the heart of the journey – the reprocessing phases, where bilateral stimulation (BLS) comes into play to activate your information processing system.

Phase 4 - Desensitization

: In this phase, BLS, which can be side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps, is employed while you focus on the traumatic event. This continues until your SUD rating reduces to zero (or 1, if appropriate). During this time, new thoughts, sensations, images, and feelings may emerge, signifying progress.

Phase 5 - Installing Positivity

: With desensitization complete, you move on to installation. Here, you associate and strengthen a positive belief with your target event until it feels entirely true, solidifying your emotional transformation.

Phase 6 - Body Harmony

: During the body scan, you hold the target event and positive belief in your mind while scanning your body from head to toe. Any remaining physical disturbances are addressed, ensuring a holistic healing process.

Finally, we reach the phases that ensure your safety as you conclude one session and embark on the next:

Phase 7 - Closure

: Every session wraps up with closure. Your therapist guides you back to a state of calm in the present moment, whether the reprocessing is complete or not. Reprocessing is considered successful when you feel neutral about the event (SUD=0), the positive belief feels entirely true (VOC=7), and your body is free of disturbances.

Phase 8 - Continual Growth

: Reevaluation marks the beginning of each new session post-reprocessing. You and your therapist revisit recently processed memories to ensure that distress remains low and the positive cognition stays strong. Together, you chart the course for future targets and the ongoing journey towards healing.

So, welcome aboard your EMDR therapy journey, where these eight phases serve as your trusty roadmap, guiding you toward emotional well-being and transformation.

Ready to Take the First Step?

We invite you to schedule a 15-minute consultation with our experienced EMDR therapists. During this brief conversation, we'll discuss your needs, answer any questions you have, and explore how EMDR therapy can help you find the emotional wellness you deserve. Don't let past trauma hold you back any longer – reach out today to schedule your consultation and begin your journey towards healing.