What are the Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a highly structured approach to treating trauma and other distressing life experiences. It works by helping the brain process “stuck” memories in a way similar to how the brain processes information during REM sleep. The therapy follows eight distinct phases, guiding the client through a systematic process of healing.

8 Phases of EMDR Therapy

Here are the 8 phases of EMDR therapy:

1. History Taking and Treatment Planning

In this initial phase, the therapist gathers a comprehensive history of the client, including past traumas, current symptoms, and areas of distress. Together, they identify specific target memories or issues that will be addressed during therapy. This phase also involves understanding the client’s strengths and resources, as well as developing a collaborative treatment plan.

 2. Preparation

This phase is crucial for building a strong therapeutic alliance and ensuring the client feels safe and equipped for the work ahead. The therapist explains the EMDR Therapy process, what to expect, and teaches the client coping skills and self-soothing techniques (like guided imagery for a “safe place” or breathing exercises). These resources are vital for managing any distress that may arise during the reprocessing phases.

3. Assessment

Once prepared, the client and therapist identify a specific target memory to work on. For this target, they pinpoint several key components:

• The most vivid image represents the disturbing memory.

• A negative belief about oneself is associated with the memory (e.g., “I am helpless,” “I am unlovable”).

• A desired positive belief about oneself that they’d rather believe (e.g., “I am safe now,” “I am strong”).

• The emotions and their intensity are felt when thinking about the memory.

• Where the disturbance is felt in the body.

• A Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD) rating (0-10, with 10 being the highest distress).

• A Validity of Cognition (VOC) rating (1-7, with 7 being entirely true) for the positive belief.

 4. Desensitization

This is often the most recognizable phase, where bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, auditory tones, or taps) is introduced. While focusing on the target memory (image, negative belief, emotions, body sensation), the client follows the therapist’s instructions for bilateral stimulation. The client is encouraged to simply notice whatever comes to mind – thoughts, feelings, images, or sensations – without judgment or evaluation. The goal is to reduce the SUD rating until the memory no longer feels disturbing (ideally to 0 or 1).

5. Installation

Once the disturbance associated with the memory has been reduced, this phase focuses on strengthening the chosen positive belief. The client maintains a positive cognitive state while engaging in bilateral stimulation. The aim is to increase the VOC rating for the positive belief to a 6 or 7, making it feel truly accurate and deeply integrated.

 6. Body Scan

Even after the mind feels clear, residual tension or sensations related to the trauma can sometimes remain in the body. In this phase, the client is asked to mentally scan their body from head to toe while holding the positive belief and the reprocessed memory. If any remaining disturbance or uncomfortable sensations are detected, further bilateral stimulation is used to process these lingering physical responses until the body feels completely clear and calm.

 7. Closure

This phase occurs at the end of each EMDR therapy session. If the target memory has been fully processed, the session concludes with a return to a calm state. I suppose the memory is not yet fully reprocessed. In that case, the therapist helps the client contain any remaining activated material using the coping skills learned in Phase 2, ensuring they leave the session feeling stable and grounded. Clients may be encouraged to keep a journal of any new insights or feelings between sessions.

 8. Re-evaluation

Each new EMDR therapy session begins with this phase. The therapist and client review the progress made on previously addressed targets, checking if the positive changes have been sustained and if any new disturbing material has emerged. This phase ensures that the treatment effects are maintained over time and helps guide the selection of new targets for processing if needed.

The beauty of EMDR therapy lies in its systematic yet flexible nature. This proves that the brain has an innate capacity to heal, provided the right conditions and guidance are present. If you’re ready to reprocess painful memories and find lasting emotional freedom, book an EMDR therapy session today.