EMDR: What to Expect in the First Sessions
This guest blog article was written by trauma therapist Aleighsha Webber, of Still I Rise Counseling.
When deciding to begin Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, you may ask yourself, “Am I going to have to ‘go there’ without being able to manage what comes up?”, "Will I be forced to confront trauma on day one?", "What if I’m not ready to talk about it?". It's natural to be nervous, but don't worry—the first sessions are meant to provide you with a gentle introduction to the process. Let’s demystify the first few sessions of EMDR to understand what to expect and ease any apprehensions about the process.
Setting the Stage
The first sessions begin with establishing the framework for therapy. This entails reviewing the intake paperwork and answering any general questions or concerns you might have. The therapist will establish a clear understanding of the process and ensure you feel informed and supported every step of the way.
Building Trust and Safety
Before diving into deeper work, having a safe, nonjudgmental space is essential. Your therapist will prioritize establishing trust so you feel comfortable sharing challenging experiences, thoughts, and emotions. Together, you’ll create a comforting environment to process freely.
History Taking and Goal Setting
EMDR Uses a Different Lens
A significant part of the initial sessions is getting to know you through the EMDR lens. EMDR is guided by the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which recognizes symptoms as unresolved information stored in the brain and body. According to the EMDR International Association, the AIP perspective addresses how past experiences influence thoughts, behaviors, feelings, and perceptions of self and others. These negative experiences can cause us to feel “stuck” in the past.
Your therapist will explore your background, key experiences, distressing events, and current challenges. This helps determine what you’d like to improve (such as feelings of safety, self-esteem, or pleasure in activities once enjoyed) and what you’d like to reduce (like intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or panic). We’ll look at what you notice and how you feel, then identify how you’d like to feel instead. In contrast to other therapies, your EMDR therapist will ask various questions based on the EMDR lens to identify the root cause of your symptoms rather than merely manage them.
Coping Skills and Stabilization
In the first sessions, your therapist will help you assess your existing coping strategies and introduce new ones to ensure you feel stable after and between sessions. Techniques like guided visualization, therapeutic yoga, or grounding exercises can help you manage intense emotions. You will share your skills that have worked in the past, which may also include creative outlets such as art, music, or nature walks. Your input helps to personalize your therapeutic journey by identifying what works for you. The aim is to provide tools to help you feel safe and calm before leaving each session.
The Path Ahead
You and your therapist will determine which symptoms and issues will be addressed first. To continue gathering important details for processing, you will be encouraged to write down triggers, distressing thoughts or feelings, or even nightmares that you notice between sessions.
It may seem overwhelming to begin EMDR therapy for the first time, but a supportive first session provides a strong foundation to begin healing. Every step is tailored to meet your unique needs, giving you the confidence to progress at your own pace. Although EMDR therapy may be tough, it is also transformative.
For more information about EMDR therapy in general and a list of original blog articles we've written related to EMDR, click here!
Also, see our past blog on the importance of pacing in trauma therapy.
Start Working With An EMDR Therapist in Palm Beach County, FL
Starting EMDR therapy can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to do it alone. Mangrove Therapy Group can help you cultivate coping skills on your therapeutic journey. If you’re ready to explore how EMDR therapy can support your healing, or if you simply want to learn more, our team invites you to reach out today. Start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:
- Contact Mangrove Therapy Group
- Meet with a caring therapist
- Start addressing the symptoms that affect you most!
Other Services Offered with Mangrove Therapy Group
EMDR therapy isn’t the only service our team offers. Mangrove Therapy Group is happy to offer support with mental health concerns including trauma and PTSD/C-PTSD, substance use disorders, eating disorders, body image issues, anger management, anxiety, low self-esteem, personality disorders, and much more. Please feel free to learn more about how we can support you. We also offer support with addictions such as process addictions, grief and loss, “Failure to Launch” syndrome, CBT, and DBT. Feel free to learn more by visiting our blog or FAQ page today.
About the Author
Aleighsha Webber is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and the Founder of Still I Rise Counseling in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. She earned her Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Troy University with a B.S. in Psychology. With over 12 years of military service and 10 years as Active Duty Air Force, she brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by those who serve. She continues to serve as an Air Force Reservist, keeping a strong connection to her military community. Aleighsha has a compassionate and down-to-earth approach and recognizes the need to treat the root causes of symptoms to achieve life-long benefits. Her dedication and passion for serving those who serve is the heart of her practice. Aleighsha is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and continues to expand her trauma-informed skillset by actively pursuing certification.