Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, also known as EMDR therapy, is a powerful technique for processing a range of traumatic events. As we know, everyone responds differently to different therapeutic interventions. While some individuals may prefer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, others want to take a new approach. Unlike other trauma-informed care, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation while focusing on a traumatic memory in order to support processing. Making sure you understand this process can improve the therapy’s impact and enhance treatment efficacy. In this post we will walk you through the eight steps that make up the EMDR process so you know what to expect if you’d like to try it out.
Step One: History Taking and Treatment Planning
The first step in the EMDR therapy process is gathering a comprehensive history and deciding on an appropriate treatment plan tailored to you. The clinician will work with you to understand your unique experiences and challenges by asking questions about your past and any symptoms you may be feeling now. They’ll also ask you about your support systems and what makes you feel good when stressed or upset. This first step may also include any assessments and surveys that can offer more insight. Through this whole process, you and the therapist will determine what traumas you may want to work through and your overall goals for therapy.
Step Two: Preparation
The second step in the EMDR therapy process is preparation. In this step, the clinician will explain how reprocessing works and what to expect over the next few sessions. This is also an amazing time to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have. You and the clinician will pinpoint go-to coping mechanisms and strategies to utilize during any distressing moments of the process. If you’re interested, your clinician will share any research or other materials you’d like, as well. The goal for this step is to make sure you feel comfortable with your therapist and prepared for any challenges moving forward.
Step Three: Assessment
The third step in the EMDR therapy process is assessment. During this time, you and the clinician will identify specific memories or issues to focus on during sessions. Together you will identify one memory to work on first, and explore how it impacts you emotionally and physically. The therapist will guide you through the process of identifying the negative beliefs you may hold about yourself that are tied to that memory, as well as the positive beliefs you’d like to replace them with. This is an important step as it establishes a clear target for your EMDR work and makes sure that you’re working on the matters that are most important to you.
Step Four: Desensitization
The fourth step of the EMDR therapy process is known as desensitization. During this step, with the help of your therapist, you will begin processing the specific trauma memory you identified in the step prior. Your therapist will guide you through a series of bilateral stimulation techniques while you focus on the memory and the memories associated with it. The stimulation may be eye movements, tapping, or sounds. This process is meant to decrease the emotional reaction to the memory, which allows you to reprocess it in a healthier way.
Step Five: Installation
The fifth step of the EMDR therapy process is known as installation. During this step, you and the therapist will focus on strengthening the positive beliefs and changes that you began to introduce in step four. Once you have processed the target trauma memory, you and your clinician will find a reinforcement that resonates with you. One example could be “I am safe.” Bilateral stimulation will be used, just as it was for the memory, to solidify this thought. The goal of this step is to enhance your sense of empowerment and help you find more confidence in your ability to take on challenges related to your trauma. This is an incredibly important step, and helps with the overall impact of EMDR.
Step Six: Body Scan
The sixth step of the EMDR therapy process is the body scan. This is a moment where you and your therapist will check in with your body and see how you are feeling after going through desensitization and installation. You will once again think about the memory you chose to work on that session, followed by the reinforcement statement you located in step five. As you do this, you will pay attention to how your body feels, any physical sensations, tension, or overall discomfort that may be coming up. This helps indicate if you have any negative feelings or stress associated with that memory lingering. You will continue with the bilateral stimulation until those feelings have dissipated.
Step Seven: Closure
The seventh step of the EMDR therapy process is closure. This step is used to wrap up your EMDR session in a healthy and supportive way so that you are able to transition back to your every day schedule and responsibilities after the trauma work. You and your provider will do some calming and grounding activities or exercises to help you reflect or share any insights from your session. Your therapist will also share coping skills you can use between sessions. This step makes sure you feel safe leaving the therapy space.
Step Eight: Reevaluation
The eighth and final step in the EMDR therapy process is called reevaluation. During this step you and your therapist will check in on how you’ve felt since your last EMDR session. You’ll discuss any changes you’ve noticed in your thought patterns, feelings, or physical symptoms related to your target memory. This step ensures that the work is effective, and pinpoints any lingering issues that need to be circled back to. This is an opportunity for you to share anything you find relevant with your provider, including any concerns. Overall, it ensures you are moving forward on your healing journey.
While EMDR may seem like a complicated process, the steps are simple and your provider will be there right alongside you the whole way through. From history taking to reevaluation, EMDR might be the key to moving forward from whatever may be weighing you down.
Looking to begin EMDR therapy or hear more about the process? Our incredible providers here at Manhattan Wellness are ready to start that journey with you. We understand that navigating mental health can be difficult. With our amazing group of therapists, you don’t have to go through the process all on your own. A dedicated team working out of Manhattan, Brooklyn, or anywhere in New York, our clinicians are ready to help you start a journey of empowerment and self care. Follow these steps to get started:
- Contact Manhattan Wellness today or email us at hello@manhattanwellness.org
- Schedule your first appointment with one of our Manhattan therapists
- Embark on this empowering path to a more confident you
THERAPY SERVICES FOR ANXIETY WE OFFER IN MANHATTAN & BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
The truth is, there’s no single or one-size-fits-all approach to anxiety treatment. Everyone has a different approach to managing anxiety and anxious thoughts. That is why it’s important to get clear on what works for you. Once you have a better understanding of yourself and your values, you can start designing your life based on the things that are most important to you.
Therapy for women in Manhattan and Brooklyn is a great way to figure out how to manage your anxious mind. At Manhattan Wellness, we will provide you with a safe space to explore your feelings and goals. So you can find clarity on what you want for yourself. We will pair your vulnerability with our empathy and encouragement. Then together we will uncover the key elements that will take you from where you are now to where you want to be. If you are ready to make the changes you want in your life:
- Submit a Contact Form or Email Us at hello@manhattanwellness.org
- Learn More About Our Team of Female Therapists and Our Areas of Expertise
- Let’s Talk About How We Can Help You Feel Empowered & Ready To Take The Next Step.
We believe that you have the power within yourself to make the changes you want and find your version of success. Our female therapists are here to support you in navigating this journey. Allowing you to reclaim your identity and take control of your life. Thus allowing you to create the future you’ve been dreaming of.
OTHER THERAPY SERVICES OFFERED IN MANHATTAN, BROOKLYN, & THROUGHOUT NEW YORK
At Manhattan Wellness, our therapists are here to support you in navigating every aspect of life. This is why we offer a variety of services to ensure you get the support, care, and guidance necessary. The therapy services we offer are Therapy for Maternal Mental Health, Self-Esteem Counseling, and Anxiety Treatment. Along with Dating/Relationship Counseling, Counseling for College Students, and more.
