A Beginner’s Guide to EMDR for Clients
Healing, One Step at a Time
EMDR therapy helps gently unlock and reprocess painful memories—so you can move forward with more ease and clarity.
Understanding Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy
By Nutbrown Counselling
If you’ve been exploring therapy options or working with a mental health professional, you may have come across the term EMDR and wondered what it’s all about. This post is here to give you a beginner-friendly introduction to EMDR—what it is, how it works, and what you can expect as a client.
🌿 What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a structured form of psychotherapy that helps people heal from the emotional distress caused by difficult or traumatic life experiences.
Originally developed for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR is now widely used to support individuals struggling with:
Anxiety and panic
Depression
Grief and loss
Eating disorders
Phobias and low self-worth
Complex trauma
EMDR is backed by over 30 years of research and is recognized by the World Health Organization (2013) and the American Psychological Association (2017) as an evidence-based treatment for trauma and stress-related conditions.
🔄 How Does EMDR Work?
Our brains are naturally equipped to process and heal from difficult experiences. But when we experience trauma or overwhelm, those memories can become “stuck,” causing distress long after the event.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to help the brain reprocess stuck memories. This doesn’t erase the memory—it simply helps it become less distressing and more adaptive (Shapiro, 2018).
🧩 What Happens in an EMDR Session?
EMDR follows a structured 8-phase protocol, beginning with relationship building and safety before moving into memory processing. Here’s what you can expect:
1. History & Treatment Planning
We begin by understanding your history and current concerns.
2. Preparation
You’ll learn calming and grounding strategies to help you feel safe and in control.
3. Assessment
Together, we’ll identify the target memory and how it impacts you today.
4. Desensitization
Using bilateral stimulation, we process the memory while you notice thoughts, feelings, and body sensations.
5. Installation
We strengthen new, positive beliefs related to the memory.
6. Body Scan
You’ll check in with your body to release any remaining tension.
7. Closure
Each session ends with grounding techniques to ensure you leave feeling safe and stable.
8. Re-evaluation
At the start of the next session, we assess your progress and make adjustments.
🛡️ The Importance of Safety and Stabilization
Before we begin processing memories, we prioritize emotional safety. This phase includes learning regulation skills, building internal resources, and establishing a strong therapeutic relationship.
This isn’t a “warm-up”—it’s an essential part of the work. When you feel safe and supported, EMDR is more likely to be effective and empowering (Shapiro, 2018).
❗ Myth: EMDR Only Takes a Few Sessions
You may have heard that EMDR is a quick fix—but this is a common misconception.
Some individuals may experience relief in a few sessions, but for many—especially those with complex trauma or long-standing patterns—EMDR takes time. The number of sessions depends on your history, goals, and how you respond to treatment (EMDRIA, n.d.).
There is no rush. EMDR is about healing at a pace that’s right for you.
🧘♀️ Is EMDR Like Hypnosis?
Not at all. EMDR is not hypnosis. You remain awake, aware, and in control throughout. You won’t be told what to think or feel—you’ll be guided through your own natural healing process.
💬 Is EMDR Right for Me?
EMDR might be a good fit if you:
Experience distressing or intrusive memories
Feel “stuck” in emotional reactions
Have a history of trauma or difficult life events
Struggle with anxiety, self-worth, or fear
Are open to a structured, body-mind approach to healing
You don’t need to know all the answers before you start—your therapist will help you explore if EMDR is the right path for you.
💛 Final Thoughts
Trying a new therapy can feel intimidating, especially when it’s unfamiliar. EMDR is a gentle, evidence-based approach that helps you process painful experiences at a pace that feels safe and supported.
You deserve to heal—and you don’t have to do it alone.
💬 Curious About EMDR?
At Nutbrown Counselling, I offer trauma-informed EMDR therapy in a warm, collaborative environment—online or in-person in Kelowna, BC. If you're curious about how EMDR could support your healing journey, I’d love to connect.
Warmly,
Nutbrown Counselling
In-person & virtual counselling in Kelowna, BC
🌐 www.nutbrowncounselling.com
📅 Book a Session
📚 References
American Psychological Association. (2017). Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). (n.d.). Frequently asked questions. https://www.emdria.org
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
World Health Organization. (2013). Guidelines for the management of conditions specifically related to stress. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241505406
Disclaimer:
The content of this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a mental health condition.
Nutbrown Counselling is a Canadian counselling practice offering services within the counsellor’s professional scope and jurisdiction. Any use of the information in this post is at your own discretion and risk.