What Happens in an EMDR Session
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach to psychotherapy designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. If you're considering EMDR therapy or simply curious about what happens in an EMDR session, understanding the process can help demystify this powerful therapeutic approach and prepare you for what to expect. This article explores the EMDR session experience, from preparation through to completion, to provide a comprehensive overview of this therapeutic modality.
Key takeaways about EMDR sessions
EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy for processing traumatic memories.
Sessions follow a specific protocol with eight distinct phases.
The therapy uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or sounds) to facilitate processing.
EMDR therapy is delivered by specially trained mental health professionals.
Understanding the process can help reduce anxiety about starting treatment.
Understanding EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro and has since become recognised worldwide as an effective treatment for trauma and various mental health conditions. At its core, EMDR therapy is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that psychological distress often results from inadequately processed traumatic memories.
Key aspects of EMDR therapy
It is recognised as an evidence-based practice for treating PTSD.
The therapy helps “unfreeze” traumatic memories to allow proper processing.
EMDR doesn’t require detailed discussion of the distressing event.
It works with the brain’s natural healing mechanisms.
The approach integrates elements from various therapeutic orientations.
EMDR therapy operates on the premise that the mind can heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical injuries. When a disturbing experience occurs, it can overwhelm normal coping mechanisms, leaving the memory and associated stimuli unprocessed. These memories can be stored with the original emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs, causing them to be easily triggered in the present. EMDR therapy helps the brain process these experiences and develop more adaptive coping mechanisms.
Research has consistently supported EMDR’s effectiveness. The American Psychological Association, the World Health Organization, and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies recognise EMDR as an effective treatment for PTSD. Studies show that 84–90% of single-trauma victims no longer have PTSD after just three 90-minute sessions, while multiple-trauma victims show significant improvement after six to twelve sessions. For more details, see APA: Understanding EMDR Therapy and further insights can be found at EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).
Preparing for EMDR Therapy
Preparing for EMDR therapy is a crucial step that lays the foundation for successful treatment. This preparation phase ensures clients have the necessary tools and resources to navigate potentially challenging emotional experiences during processing.
Key preparation aspects
Building a strong therapeutic relationship with your psychologist.
Learning emotional regulation and grounding techniques.
Identifying treatment goals and target memories.
Creating a "safe place" visualisation.
Understanding the EMDR process and what to expect.
Before beginning active processing, your therapist will take time to establish rapport and create a safe therapeutic environment. This relationship-building phase is essential, as EMDR therapy involves addressing potentially distressing memories.
The first EMDR session typically includes a thorough history-taking process. Your therapist will collect information about your background, current symptoms, and past experiences. This helps identify potential targets for processing and informs the treatment plan. During these initial sessions, your therapist will explain the EMDR process in detail, including the theory behind it and what you might experience. For additional perspective, see PTSDUK: What Happens in an EMDR Therapy Session.
Your therapist will also teach you self-regulation techniques, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or the "container" exercise—which involves visualising placing distressing thoughts in a container to be addressed later. These skills help you manage emotions that may arise during and between sessions. Another important preparatory element is developing a "safe place" – a mental image of a calm, peaceful location you can return to when feeling overwhelmed.
The preparation phase may take several sessions, especially for individuals with complex trauma histories or those who struggle with emotional regulation. This investment in preparation significantly contributes to successful outcomes in later processing phases.
The EMDR Session Experience
The actual experience of an EMDR therapy session follows a structured protocol while allowing flexibility to address individual needs. Understanding what happens during processing can help reduce anxiety about the unknown.
Components of an EMDR session
Target memory identification and assessment.
Bilateral stimulation while focusing on the memory.
Periodic check-ins to monitor progress.
Free association to follow the natural healing process.
Installation of positive cognitions.
Body scan to identify residual tension.
For your first EMDR session, your therapist will help you identify a specific memory to target, along with the negative belief associated with it (e.g. "I am helpless"), the desired positive belief (e.g. "I can handle difficulties"), and the emotions and physical sensations connected to the memory.
The therapist will ask you to hold the target memory in mind while simultaneously focusing on bilateral stimulation. This may involve following the therapist's fingers with your eyes, listening to alternating tones through headphones, or feeling alternating taps on your hands or knees. This dual-attention approach allows you to process the memory while remaining grounded in the present.
During processing, you'll be encouraged to notice whatever thoughts, feelings, images, or sensations arise without judgement. Your therapist will periodically pause the bilateral stimulation to check in with you, asking, "What are you noticing now?" This allows your internal associations to guide the healing process naturally.
Throughout the session, you remain fully conscious and in control. You can pause the process at any time by signalling to your therapist. EMDR is not hypnosis – you are aware of what's happening and can communicate with your therapist throughout. For more details, see Pillars Recovery: What Happens in an EMDR Session.
As processing progresses, distress typically decreases, and the positive belief becomes stronger. Your therapist will guide you through installing this positive cognition, enhancing its connection to the original memory. The session concludes with a body scan to identify any remaining physical tension associated with the memory and ensure you feel grounded before leaving.
Duration and Frequency of EMDR Therapy
Understanding how long EMDR therapy takes is important for setting realistic expectations and planning your treatment journey. The duration varies depending on several factors, including the nature of the trauma, complexity of symptoms, and individual response to treatment.
Typical EMDR therapy timeline
Individual sessions usually last 60–90 minutes.
Simple traumas may resolve in 3–6 sessions.
Complex or multiple traumas typically require 12+ sessions.
Sessions are typically scheduled weekly.
The full treatment course may span several months.
Some notice improvements quickly, while for others, change is gradual.
EMDR therapy sessions are generally longer than traditional talk therapy sessions, typically lasting 60–90 minutes. This extended time allows for adequate preparation, processing, and integration within each session. For single traumatic incidents in otherwise well-functioning individuals, EMDR therapy may be completed in as few as 3–6 sessions.
However, for complex trauma, childhood trauma, or multiple traumatic experiences, the duration of EMDR therapy increases – often requiring 12 or more sessions. Individuals with complex PTSD or developmental trauma may need ongoing therapy for a year or more, with EMDR integrated as one component of a comprehensive treatment plan. Information from the Cleveland Clinic: EMDR Therapy Overview supports these insights. These EMDR sessions can be woven between typical talk-therapy sessions as part of your personal treatment plan.
The frequency of sessions is typically once per week, allowing time to process between sessions. However, there are alternative models, such as intensive formats with multiple sessions per week or even daily sessions over a concentrated period. These approaches may be beneficial for specific situations, but should be discussed with your therapist.
It's important to note that healing is not always linear. Some individuals experience rapid relief of symptoms, while others notice more gradual changes. Your therapist will regularly assess your progress and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
EMDR Therapy Sessions in Australia
EMDR therapy sessions in Australia are becoming increasingly accessible as more mental health professionals receive specialised training. The therapy is recognised within the Australian healthcare system and is offered in various settings across the country.
EMDR in Australia – important information
Delivered by registered psychologists with specialised EMDR training, as well as by other mental health professionals.
Available in private practices, hospitals, and community mental health centres.
May be partially covered by Medicare with a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Some private health insurance plans offer rebates.
Training and certification are overseen by EMDR Australia.
Sessions follow the same international protocol with cultural considerations.
In Australia, EMDR therapy is typically provided by registered psychologists who have completed specific training in the approach, as well as by other skilled mental health professionals like social workers. When seeking an EMDR therapist, it's important to verify their credentials and ensure they've received proper training through recognised organisations such as EMDR Australia or EMDR Academy.
Accessing EMDR therapy in Australia may involve a referral from a general practitioner (GP), who can create a Mental Health Treatment Plan. This plan allows for Medicare rebates for up to ten (10) psychology sessions per calendar year. While Medicare doesn't specifically distinguish EMDR from other psychological approaches, the rebate applies to sessions with registered providers. For more information, you can visit the Australian Psychological Society—EMDR.
Private health insurance with extras coverage may offer additional rebates for psychological services, including EMDR therapy. The amount of coverage varies depending on the insurance provider and level of cover.
EMDR therapy Australia sessions follow the same eight-phase protocol used internationally, though therapists may incorporate cultural considerations relevant to Australian contexts. This includes sensitivity to the specific needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, refugees, and other diverse populations within Australia.
The growing body of research supporting EMDR's effectiveness continues to increase its acceptance and availability throughout Australia's mental health system, making it a more accessible option for those who might benefit from this approach.
Conclusion
Understanding what happens in an EMDR session can help demystify the process and prepare you for this potentially transformative therapy. From the careful preparation phases through active processing and integration, EMDR follows a structured yet flexible approach that respects individual needs and healing processes.
EMDR therapy offers a unique approach to processing traumatic memories and resolving their emotional impact. By harnessing the brain's natural healing abilities through bilateral stimulation, EMDR can help transform distressing memories into less emotionally charged experiences. The therapy addresses not only past events but also current triggers and develops skills for future challenges.
While this article provides an overview of what happens in an EMDR session, each person's experience will be unique. If you're considering EMDR therapy, speaking with a registered psychologist who specialises in this approach can provide more personalised information based on your specific circumstances.
Mental health is a journey, and finding the right therapeutic approach is an important step. EMDR therapy represents one evidence-based option among many. For those seeking more information about EMDR or other therapeutic approaches, Salt & Earth Psychology can provide additional resources and guidance to help you make informed decisions about your mental health care.
