EMDR: What to Expect

A guide for clients curious about trauma healing with EMDR

Amy Bassett-Wells M.Ed., LPC Associate (April West, LPC-S)

Therapy-Tree Mental Health Counseling

Trauma Informed Care Across Texas

First things first-- we don't jump right in!

The first few EMDR sessions are about building a foundation of trust and safety. I’ll get to know you — not just your history, but how you regulate your emotions, what helps you feel grounded, and what support looks like for you.

We might talk about:

• What brought you to therapy

• How you currently cope with stress or overwhelm

• What helps you feel safe or centered

• Whether EMDR is the right approach for your goals

Next comes resourcing and preparation

Before we begin any trauma reprocessing, we build a toolkit of regulation strategies you can use if you ever feel dysregulated — both in and outside of session. These might include:

• Grounding exercises like the 5-4-3-2-1 method

• Guided visualizations (like a “safe place” or “calm container”)

• Bilateral stimulation using tapping or light movement

• Breathwork or somatic tools for staying present in your body

We also talk about how your nervous system responds to stress and how to recognize the signs that you need to slow down or pause. There’s no pressure to perform or get it “right.”

Once you feel ready (and only when you feel ready), we’ll begin EMDR processing.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Targeting a memory or theme

We’ll identify a memory, image, belief, or body sensation that feels distressing or stuck. You don’t have to describe it in detail — just bring it to mind.

2. Engaging in bilateral stimulation

While holding that memory in your awareness, we’ll use bilateral stimulation — usually through eye movements, gentle tapping, or audio tones that alternate left to right. This helps your brain process and integrate the memory in a more adaptive way.

3. Observing what comes up

You’ll notice thoughts, emotions, or sensations arise. You just observe and notice — like watching clouds pass in the sky. I’ll check in with you regularly, and we go at your pace.

4. Reprocessing and calming

As the emotional charge around the memory shifts, we’ll check in on how your body feels, and help you return to calm with grounding techniques.

Learn More Here

Please Remember:

• You can pause or stop at any time

• You don’t need to relive trauma or give a play-by-play

• EMDR doesn’t erase memories — it helps reduce the emotional pain they carry

• Every client’s experience is different

EMDR isn’t about going fast or digging up pain. It’s about helping you relate differently to the things that have weighed you down. It’s a gentle but effective way to process trauma, stuck emotions, and even self-beliefs that no longer serve you.

If you’re interested in learning more about whether EMDR could help you, fill out the form below for a free consultation