Choosing to embark on therapy is a courageous decision, and beginning Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with Inspire Change Counseling marks a significant moment in your journey.
EMDR is a research-supported, trauma-focused therapy that invites your brain’s natural healing process to engage in a new way. EMDR enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. We’ll walk through what you can expect during your first session so you feel informed, prepared, and more at ease.
Preparing for Your First Session
Before you arrive, you might be asked to complete intake forms or share some background information about your life, experiences, and what brings you to therapy. At Inspire Change Counseling, our EMDR-trained therapists know the importance of creating a safe and trusting therapeutic space.
On the day of your first session, plan to arrive a few minutes early, bring any questions or concerns you have, and be ready to be open and honest. This is the foundation for a successful EMDR journey.
The Initial Interview and Assessment
Your first EMDR session often begins with an in-depth conversation with your therapist about your history, current concerns, and therapy goals. EMDR is an eight-phase treatment, and part of phases 1 and 2 involves gathering history, identifying target memories, tracking current symptoms, and assessing your readiness to process.
During this part of the session, your therapist will also work with you to establish a “safe place” or calming resource, a technique to help you feel grounded should distress arise during processing.
Psychoeducation and Resource Building
Before diving into the core of EMDR, your therapist will explain how EMDR works and how your brain processes trauma. You’ll learn why bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or auditory cues) is used and how it facilitates the reprocessing of stuck or distressing memories.
You’ll also build coping strategies and stabilization skills so you have solid tools for self-regulation between sessions. This phase helps ensure you feel safe and equipped for the work ahead.
Beginning the EMDR Processing Phase
Although the first session may not complete full memory reprocessing, it will set the groundwork. Once you and your therapist agree on which memory to target, you’ll begin the bilateral stimulation as you hold aspects of that memory in mind, such as thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations.
You’ll be guided through short sets of stimulation followed by pauses for checking in on your experience. The therapist supports your processing, monitors your safety, and helps you move through phases toward change.
What You Might Feel or Notice
It’s common to experience a range of sensations during and after your first EMDR session. You may notice shifts in how you feel about the memory or become aware of new perspectives. You might have increased intensity of feelings or somatic sensations such as tingling or movement as your nervous system begins to adjust.
This variability is expected and part of the healing process. Your therapist will help you integrate what arises and may schedule a brief settling or grounding segment at the end of the session.
Closing the Session and Planning Next Steps
At the end of your first session, your therapist will debrief with you: what you noticed, what you felt, and how you’re doing in the moment. They will review your coping or resource tools, ensure you feel stable and safe, and may assign “between-session” suggestions.
They will also plan the next session with you, including what memory might be next, whether additional preparation is needed, and how many sessions might be anticipated.
Benefits You Can Anticipate From EMDR
By choosing EMDR, you’re opting for a treatment modality that research shows can be faster than traditional talk therapy for trauma, anxiety, and phobias. Many clients report feeling a sense of relief, clarity, or emotional lightness as they progress.
You may find that memories that once triggered intense distress become less overwhelming and more integrated into your narrative, which is a sign of healing in motion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Therapy can be overwhelming, and EMDR is no different. To help prepare you for your first EMDR session, we have assembled some frequently asked questions. Please reach out to our team if you have a question we don’t address here.
- What Happens if I Feel Overwhelmed During the Session? – Your therapist will monitor your emotional and physical safety throughout. You will have established coping resources and a safety protocol. If you feel overwhelmed, the session can pause, and grounding exercises will be used.
- How Many Sessions Will I Need With EMDR? – The number of sessions varies depending on your history, the complexity of the issues, and your readiness. Inspire Change Counseling follows the eight-phase model, and after the initial sessions, your therapist will give you a more personalized estimate.
- Will I Need to Talk in Detail About My Trauma? – While EMDR involves recalling aspects of a memory, you do not need to provide a detailed narrative of the trauma for the entire session. The focus is on targeted processing, not prolonged verbal reliving.
- Is EMDR Safe for Everyone? – EMDR is considered safe and effective for many individuals, including those with trauma, anxiety, or phobias. However, your therapist will assess suitability at your intake and ensure you’re stabilized and ready.
Ready to Get Started? Reach Out to Inspire Change Counseling
If you’re ready to begin a meaningful journey toward healing, resilience, and transformation, contact Inspire Change Counseling today. Our EMDR-trained team is ready to support you in Scottsdale, AZ, and Chesterfield, MO. Take the next step by requesting a consultation and begin your path to a freer, more empowered life.