Understanding the 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy and Its Benefits for Clients

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has gained recognition as an effective approach for addressing trauma and other emotional challenges. From a therapist’s perspective, EMDR is a structured process that helps clients reprocess distressing memories and reduce their emotional impact. This post explores the eight phases of EMDR therapy, what each phase looks like in practice, and who can benefit from this approach.

Therapy room setup for EMDR sessions

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy was developed to help people process traumatic memories that remain stuck in the brain, causing ongoing distress. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—often eye movements—to help the brain reprocess these memories. This can lead to a reduction in symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, and negative beliefs.

Therapists guide clients through a series of phases that build safety, identify targets for processing, and facilitate healing. Understanding these phases helps clients know what to expect and how the therapy supports their recovery.

Phase 1: History Taking and Treatment Planning

The first phase focuses on gathering detailed information about the client’s history, current symptoms, and goals for therapy. The therapist assesses the client’s readiness for EMDR and identifies specific memories or issues to target.

• The therapist asks about traumatic events, emotional difficulties, and coping strategies.

• They evaluate the client’s emotional stability to ensure they can handle the processing work.

• Together, they create a treatment plan that prioritizes the most distressing memories.

  
  

This phase sets the foundation for safe and effective therapy by building trust and clarifying goals.

Phase 2: Preparation

In this phase, the therapist explains the EMDR process and teaches coping skills to manage distress during and between sessions. This preparation helps clients feel safe and supported.

• Clients learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization.

• The therapist introduces bilateral stimulation methods, like following a moving finger with their eyes.

• The goal is to build emotional resilience before processing difficult memories.

  
  

Preparation reduces the risk of overwhelm and helps clients stay grounded throughout therapy.

Phase 3: Assessment

Here, the therapist and client identify the specific memory to target and break it down into components:

• The image or scene that represents the memory.

• The negative belief about self linked to the memory (e.g., “I am powerless”).

• The emotions and physical sensations connected to the memory.

• A positive belief the client would like to adopt (e.g., “I am strong”).

  
  

The therapist measures the intensity of distress using a scale, which helps track progress later.

Phase 4: Desensitization

This phase involves the core EMDR work. The client focuses on the traumatic memory while the therapist guides bilateral stimulation, usually through eye movements.

• The client holds the memory and associated feelings in mind.

• The therapist moves their fingers back and forth, and the client follows with their eyes.

• This process helps the brain reprocess the memory, reducing its emotional charge.

  
  

Sessions may involve several sets of stimulation, with breaks to check in on the client’s experience.

Phase 5: Installation

After the distress linked to the memory decreases, the therapist helps the client strengthen the positive belief identified earlier.

• The client focuses on the positive belief while continuing bilateral stimulation.

• This phase reinforces new, healthier ways of thinking about the self and the event.

• It helps replace negative self-perceptions with more adaptive ones.

  
  

Installation supports lasting change by building confidence and self-worth.

Phase 6: Body Scan

Trauma can leave physical tension or discomfort in the body. In this phase, the client scans their body to notice any residual sensations related to the memory.

• The therapist guides the client to observe physical feelings without judgment.

• If tension or discomfort remains, additional bilateral stimulation may be used.

• The goal is to release any lingering physical stress.

  
  

This phase helps integrate emotional and physical healing.

Phase 7: Closure

Each session ends with closure to ensure the client feels safe and stable before leaving.

• The therapist reviews coping strategies and relaxation techniques.

• If processing is incomplete, the therapist helps the client return to a calm state.

• Clients may be given homework, such as journaling or practicing relaxation.

  
  

Closure prevents clients from leaving sessions feeling overwhelmed or vulnerable.

Phase 8: Reevaluation

At the start of the next session, the therapist checks in on the client’s progress.

• They assess how the client feels about the targeted memory.

• The therapist determines if further processing is needed or if new targets should be addressed.

• Reevaluation helps guide the ongoing treatment plan.

  
  

This phase ensures therapy remains focused and effective over time.

Who Can EMDR Therapy Help?

EMDR therapy is most commonly used for people experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but its benefits extend beyond trauma.

• Individuals with anxiety, depression, or phobias may find relief.

• Those struggling with grief, addiction, or chronic pain can also benefit.

• Individuals with diagnoses of substance abuse, obsessive compulsive disorder, personality disorders, eating disorders, and more!

• EMDR is suitable for adults, adolescents, and sometimes children, depending on the therapist’s training.

  
  

Therapists often tailor EMDR to each client’s unique needs, making it a flexible and powerful tool for healing.