Ever wonder what actually happens in EMDR therapy? Understanding the 8 phases of EMDR can take the mystery out of this powerful healing approach. Like chapters in a book, each phase builds on the last, creating a clear path toward recovery from trauma and PTSD.

Young girl sitting on a couch with her therapist starting 8 phases of EMDR therapy

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps the brain process traumatic memories and experiences. During EMDR, a therapist guides you through specific eye movements or other bilateral stimulation while you access distressing memories. This process helps the brain reprocess these memories, reducing their emotional impact and allowing healing to occur.

If you’d like to learn more about the foundations of EMDR therapy, check out our comprehensive EMDR information page. You might also be interested in exploring how EMDR compares to Brainspotting or how EMDR specifically helps with Complex PTSD.

What Are the 8 Phases of EMDR?

EMDR therapy follows a structured approach with eight distinct phases:

History Taking and Treatment Planning
Preparation
Assessment
Desensitization
Installation
Body Scan
Closure
Reevaluation

Breaking Down the 8 Phases of EMDR

Think of phase one as meeting your guide for a challenging hike. Your therapist learns about your journey – the rough patches you’ve crossed and the mountains you still need to climb. You’ll map out your goals together, identifying which memories need the most attention.

Next comes phase two – your training ground. Just as you wouldn’t climb Mount Everest without proper gear, you won’t dive into trauma processing without the right tools. Your therapist teaches you grounding exercises, like finding your “safe place” – a mental retreat you can visit when emotions run high.

Understanding the Middle Phase of the 8 Phases of EMDR

Phases three and four form the heart of your healing work. In phase three, you’ll choose a specific memory to process – like selecting which knot to untangle first in a tangled necklace. You’ll note the image, negative beliefs, and body sensations tied to this memory.

During phase four, the real transformation begins. While following your therapist’s finger movements or a light bar, your brain naturally processes the trauma. It’s like your mind is finally getting the chance to digest experiences that were too big to swallow before.

Moving Through the Final Stages

The last part of the 8 phases of EMDR focuses on cementing your progress. Phase five strengthens your new, positive beliefs – like building strong foundations for a house. Phase six checks in with your body to ensure no tension remains stored from the memory.

In phase seven, you end each session by returning to solid ground. Think of it as landing the plane smoothly – your therapist ensures you feel stable before leaving their office. The final phase, evaluation, starts each new session by checking your progress, like reviewing your map before continuing the journey.

What Makes Each Phase Important

Every phase serves a unique purpose in your healing journey:

The early phases build trust and prepare you for deeper work
Middle phases actively process and transform traumatic memories
Later phases ensure changes stick and check your progress
The final phase helps you maintain and build on your gains

Remember, healing isn’t a race. Some people spend more time in certain phases, especially preparation. Just as you wouldn’t rush training for a marathon, give yourself time to move through each phase properly.

Understanding these phases helps you partner more effectively with your therapist. While every person’s healing journey looks different, knowing what to expect can make the process feel less overwhelming. Trust the process – thousands have walked this path before you and found healing on the other side.

We offer EMDR online and in person at our Philly offices, in Bala Cynwyd (Main Line) office and in Collingswood, New Jersey!

Reach out to us to get started!