EMDR is not your typical "talk therapy." It follows an 8-phase process, and it's essential that all phases are completed to ensure maximum effectiveness. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, which can include eye movements, tapping, or audio cues, to help reprocess distressing memories.

 

In the first phase, you'll focus on building a strong, trusting relationship with your therapist, who will create a tailored treatment plan to guide your EMDR therapy. During the second phase, you’ll learn calming techniques, and your therapist will provide a thorough overview of the EMDR process.

 

Throughout the remaining phases, you’ll take the lead in the reprocessing work. Although your therapist will be there to support you, research shows that the less a therapist talks during sessions, the more effective the brain's reprocessing becomes. As therapists, we follow the principle of WAIT—Why Am I Talking?—to encourage your brain to do the necessary processing. This doesn’t mean you’ll be left to manage overwhelming emotions on your own; a trained therapist will always ensure you're prepared and supported throughout the process.

 

You remain in complete control of each session and can pause the reprocessing at any time. All of this will be thoroughly discussed in your initial sessions so you feel comfortable with the process.