The EMDR Timeline Explained

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has seen a rise in popularity in recent years thanks to benefits like reduced stress associated with traumatic thoughts, improved communication, and changes in perspective on intrusive memories. 

An additional reason so many people are interested in EMDR is that it’s considered a short-term therapy. You won’t have to keep attending sessions for years to come to reap the benefits. 

But, that doesn’t necessarily mean that EMDR is a “quick fix” for trauma, anxiety, or any other mental health condition. 

Understanding the timeline of EMDR and what to expect will allow you to go into each appointment more confident and open, and ready to take this journey with the help of your therapist. Let’s take a closer look at the EMDR timeline and how long you should expect your treatment to last. 

Assessment and Preparation

A typical EMDR treatment plan goes through phases. The first is the assessment phase, where your therapist will learn about your history and focus on any traumatic events or memories you’re struggling with. They’ll eventually use those specific memories and thoughts during the reprocessing journey. 

EMDR isn’t considered a type of talk therapy. But you’ll need to open up in the assessment period to make sure your therapist knows exactly what you’ve been through and how it’s affecting you today. This stage of treatment can take anywhere from one to five sessions, depending on your history and the complexity of what you’ve experienced. 

Once your therapist knows your background, they’ll work with you to create a custom treatment plan that will meet your needs. Understanding your treatment plan and learning what to expect can help you become more receptive to the process. 

Desensitization and Installation

The desensitization and reprocessing phases of EMDR are the most notable because of how different they are from more traditional forms of therapy. 

Once your therapist understands your trauma, they’ll ask you to focus on that specific memory or event while they guide your eye movements back and forth. This can be done with an object like a pen or with their finger. You’ll think about that memory as you move your eyes. That triggers a bilateral stimulation that can draw the negative thought out and make you feel more in control. 

During the reprocessing (installation) phase, you can learn how to replace that negative memory with something more positive. EMDR doesn’t erase the traumatic memories you have. Rather, it helps to change your perspective on them so they aren’t as overwhelming and frightening. This therapy will help you realize that you have the power, not your traumatic thoughts. 

Body Scan and Closure

After installing positive beliefs, your therapist will do a body scan. You’ll hold the specific thought in your mind as your therapist scans the body from top to bottom. If you notice any disturbances or areas of discomfort, you can continue to reprocess that memory. 

Closure occurs during every reprocessing session as a way to make you feel secure. You’ll return to a neutral state before you go home, so you’re not carrying around any unprocessed trauma until your next session. By the time you’re completely finished with reprocessing, closure should reassure you that your mind and body are fully clear of any past disturbances. 

Each EMDR session lasts anywhere from sixty to ninety minutes. You can expect to go through six to twelve sessions based on your history and the complexity of your trauma. It’s not a cookie-cutter therapy. It can be very personal, so there’s no way to tell exactly how long your treatment will take. But, once you start working on a treatment plan with your therapist, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect. 

If traditional therapies haven’t provided the relief you’re seeking, EMDR therapy might offer the breakthrough you need