What to Expect from EMDR Therapy

Christa Phipps
Sep 2
4 min read

At Tabonuco Counseling, many of the individuals we work with are carrying pain that isn’t just “in their heads”—it’s in their bodies, in their nervous systems, and sometimes in the very way they relate to the world around them.

Some come in with symptoms of anxiety or depression, others feel stuck in certain patterns or triggered in ways they don’t fully understand. Often, what we discover together is that there are unresolved experiences—big or small—that are still living in the body and affecting day-to-day life.

This is where EMDR therapy can be incredibly effective.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s an evidence-based therapy developed to help people heal from trauma, distressing life events, or negative beliefs about themselves that stem from the past.

Rather than just talking about what happened, EMDR helps your brain reprocess those memories—so they no longer hold the emotional intensity or negative self-beliefs they once did. The memory doesn’t disappear, but the charge around it softens. You might begin to see yourself differently. You might feel more grounded in the present.

Why We Offer EMDR at Tabonuco Counseling

When trauma happens, it can interrupt the brain’s natural ability to process information. EMDR works by helping the brain complete what it didn’t get to finish at the time of the trauma.

I often describe it as a way of allowing the brain and body to finally "digest" what was overwhelming or too much to process at the time.

I’ve seen EMDR help clients begin to feel safer in their own skin, release long-held shame, and reconnect with a sense of strength that had been buried under layers of pain. It’s not about forgetting—it’s about reclaiming your sense of safety and self.

The EMDR Process: What to Expect

EMDR is an 8-phase therapy protocol. While each person’s healing journey looks a little different, this structure helps us move through the work in a thoughtful, supportive, and effective way.

Here’s an overview of what that can look like:

Phase 1: History & Treatment Planning

We begin by talking through your story—at your pace—and identifying specific memories or experiences that may still be affecting your present-day life. This is also when we talk through your goals for therapy and begin to create a roadmap for your healing.

Phase 2: Preparation

This is one of the most important phases. Before we begin any memory processing, we spend time building trust, creating emotional safety, and practicing calming or grounding techniques. Our therapists will walk you through what EMDR looks like, answer any questions, and make sure you feel ready.

Phase 3: Assessment

Once we’ve identified a memory to work with, we’ll take a closer look at how it lives in your body and mind. You’ll choose a specific image, identify a negative belief it brings up, and begin to explore what you’d like to believe instead.

This helps us get a clear picture of the memory’s emotional and physical imprint.

Phase 4: Desensitization

This is where reprocessing begins. While holding the memory in mind, you’ll engage in bilateral stimulation—most often, eye movements or tapping that alternate left and right. This helps activate the brain’s natural healing process.

You don’t have to talk much during this phase. You simply notice what comes up, and the therapist will guide you through the process.

Phase 5: Installation

After the emotional intensity of the memory begins to decrease, we shift focus to the positive belief you want to hold onto—something like “I am safe now” or “I did the best I could.” We reinforce that belief using the same bilateral stimulation.

Phase 6: Body Scan

We check in with the body to see if there’s any remaining tension, discomfort, or distress. Our bodies often hold onto what the mind has let go of, so this step helps ensure the healing is felt holistically.

Phase 7: Closure

Whether we’ve fully processed a memory or not in that session, we always end with grounding. You will be guided through calming techniques to help you feel safe and settled before leaving.

Phase 8: Reevaluation

At the start of the next session, we revisit the memory and how you’re feeling now. If new material comes up, we address that. Healing is not always linear—but this phase ensures we’re always building on the progress you’ve made.

EMDR Isn’t a Quick Fix—

But It Can Be Deeply Transformational

EMDR is not about erasing what happened—it’s about changing the way it lives in you.

You might find yourself reacting differently to old triggers. You may feel a shift in how you view yourself. You may find more space to live fully in the present moment rather than being pulled back into the past.

We often tell clients: “You don’t have to relive it to heal it. But you do have to let your body know it’s over.” EMDR helps you do just that.

Interested in Exploring EMDR?

If you’re curious about whether EMDR might be right for you, we would love to talk. At Tabonuco Counseling, we offer a compassionate, collaborative space where we can explore what healing looks like—for you.

You don’t have to keep carrying it alone.

Visit https://www.tabonucocounseling.com to schedule a consultation or learn more.

Warmly,

Dr. Christa Phipps

Founder + Owner + Therapist at Tabonuco Counseling