How to Prepare for EMDR Therapy: A Guide for Clients

If you’re thinking about trying EMDR therapy, you may be wondering how to best prepare for this transformative process. Here’s a guide to help you feel more at ease and get the most out of your sessions.

1. Understand What to Expect in EMDR Therapy

One of the best ways to prepare for EMDR is to familiarize yourself with the process. While each therapist may have their own approach, EMDR generally involves the following steps:

• History Taking: During the first session, your therapist will gather information about your past, including any traumatic experiences or distressing memories that you want to work through.

• Targeting Specific Memories: Together, you and your therapist will identify key memories or experiences that have contributed to your emotional distress. These will become the “targets” for processing during EMDR.

• Bilateral Stimulation: Using techniques like eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones, your therapist will guide you to process these memories, reducing their emotional intensity.

• Reprocessing and Integration: After the memory has been processed, you’ll focus on shifting any negative beliefs or emotions related to that experience. You’ll also work on strengthening positive beliefs and resilience.

Understanding this structure can help you feel more comfortable and mentally prepared as you enter your sessions.

2. Be Ready to Talk About Your Experiences

Although EMDR is a different type of therapy, it’s still important to engage openly with your therapist. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to talk through your trauma in detail, but your therapist will want to know about key events that are contributing to your current struggles.

Think about the memories or situations you want to work through—those that still evoke strong emotional reactions or distress. These might include:

• Traumatic events (big or small)

• Moments of loss, betrayal, or fear

• Chronic stress or burnout-related experiences

• Repeated negative patterns that affect your emotional health

You don’t need to have everything figured out ahead of time, but it’s helpful to come in with some idea of what you’d like to address. Trust that your therapist will help guide you through this process without forcing you to relive difficult memories unnecessarily.

3. Prepare Emotionally and Mentally

EMDR can bring up powerful emotions and memories that you may have avoided or suppressed for a long time. To prepare emotionally, it’s important to have a supportive mindset and be open to the process. Keep in mind that the goal of EMDR is healing, not re-traumatization.

Here are a few tips to mentally prepare for EMDR therapy:

• Acknowledge Your Vulnerability: It’s okay to feel vulnerable during this process. Healing from trauma and emotional distress takes time, and the emotions that arise are a natural part of the journey.

• Trust the Process: Trust that your therapist is skilled and that you’re in good hands. They will guide you through each phase of EMDR and support you every step of the way.

• Pace Yourself: If you feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to ask for breaks or slow down the process. EMDR is meant to move at a pace that feels manageable for you.

4. Practice Grounding Techniques

Sometimes, during EMDR, strong emotions or distressing memories can surface. To help you stay grounded and feel safe throughout the process, you can practice grounding techniques ahead of time. These strategies help you stay present in the moment and manage emotional overwhelm.

Some grounding techniques you might practice include:

• Deep Breathing: Slow, deep breaths can help calm your nervous system.

• Mindfulness: Practice focusing on the present moment by noticing your senses—what you can see, hear, touch, and smell.

• Body Awareness: Bring attention to how your body feels in the moment. Are you tense? Relaxed? Being mindful of physical sensations can help you stay connected to the present.

Your therapist may also introduce grounding techniques during your sessions to help you process difficult emotions safely.

5. Set Realistic Expectations

It’s important to recognize that EMDR is not a “quick fix.” While some people experience significant relief after just a few sessions, healing is a process. Depending on the severity of the issues you’re addressing, it may take multiple sessions to see significant changes.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Patience is Key: Healing from trauma or emotional distress doesn’t happen overnight. Trust the process and give yourself grace as you navigate through the sessions.

• Small Steps Matter: You might not feel completely “better” after a session, but every step you take in processing trauma or distress is a step toward healing.

• Celebrate Progress: Whether it’s a shift in how you perceive a difficult memory or a decrease in emotional charge, recognize and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

6. Create a Self-Care Plan

Before starting EMDR, think about how you can support yourself outside of therapy. After each session, you may feel emotionally drained, overwhelmed, or a bit “out of sorts” as your brain processes the memories. Having a self-care plan in place can help you cope with any emotions that arise.

Self-care strategies may include:

• Relaxing activities like journaling, taking a bath, or going for a walk

• Social support from trusted friends or family members who can provide comfort and understanding

• Physical exercise to release built-up tension and stress

• Meditation or mindfulness to keep your mind calm and centered

By setting aside time for self-care after each session, you can help your body and mind integrate the changes from EMDR in a healthy, balanced way.

7. Discuss Any Concerns with Your Therapist

If you’re feeling anxious or uncertain about EMDR therapy, talk to your therapist about your concerns. They can address any questions you have, explain what to expect in more detail, and help you feel more confident as you begin your sessions. Your therapist will also work with you to ensure you feel safe and supported throughout the process.

Final Thoughts: Getting Ready for Your EMDR Journey

EMDR therapy can be life-changing, offering relief from trauma, stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. By preparing yourself emotionally, mentally, and practically for your sessions, you can make the most of the healing process and move forward with a sense of confidence and peace.

Remember, EMDR is a collaborative process, and your therapist will be there to support and guide you every step of the way. With the right preparation, you can embark on your EMDR journey with a sense of hope and readiness for healing.

Contact me to get started or learn more about my approach to EMDR Therapy.

*This blog post was developed with the assistance of AI, which helped organize and enhance the content. The final content has been reviewed and refined to ensure it aligns with our values and to ensure it provides valuable insights to our readers.

Dr. Rukavina, is a licensed psychologist based in Burnaby, BC, specializing in trauma therapy and EMDR. She helps individuals work through trauma, anxiety, burnout and other mental health concerns using evidence-based techniques. Dr. Rukavina offers a compassionate and grounded approach to support clients on their journey toward healing and growth. Learn more at drrukavina.com.