How Long Can I Expect To Be In An EMDR Session

When you're new to therapy or a type of therapy, it's completely normal to have a lot of questions. You want to consider your options and figure out what is best for you and your wants and needs. 

You'll consider things like the type of therapy, the therapist, the location, and more. After narrowing down the basic, you may dive into what to expect, what a session will look like, how you may feel after, and the timeline. 

Let's learn more about EMDR therapy and how long you can expect to be in an EMDR session. 

What is EMDR? 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is what EMDR stands for. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a form of therapy known to help various disorders like anxiety, chronic pain, depression, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

How Long Does EMDR Take? 

Like any other form of therapy, the length of time for a treatment plan will depend on the individual, their unique experiences, and their goals out of therapy. EMDR is made up of eight phases. Typical EMDR sessions will last between 60-90 minutes. The number of sessions can last between three to twelve months. Let's learn more about the eight phases of EMDR. 

Patient History and Treatment Plan 

Similar to any other form of therapy, the first phase of EMDR is going over the history of the patient. A therapist and a patient will work together so that the therapist feels fully up to speed on the client, their history, and their goals for treatment. 

Preparation Phase 

The second phase of EMDR therapy is to prepare for it. The therapist and client will work together to ensure understanding and trust between the two parties involved. During a session, a client may be triggered. Their therapist will work with them to ensure they feel ready for an EMDR session. They'll work together to develop coping mechanisms and signals if something becomes too much for them during a session. 

Patient Assessment 

Phase three involves a patient assessment. In this phase, the therapist will work with the client to determine the exact traumatic memory they want to focus on. 

Desensitization 

The desensitization phase is phase four and one of the most critical phases of EMDR therapy. This is when a therapist will work with their client to reduce their negative associations and reactions to the triggering and traumatic event. During this phase, a client may talk about their trauma and any signs or symptoms they may be experiencing. 

Installation 

Phase 5 aims to reduce and replace those negative associations with more positive ones. The goal of EMDR isn't to completely forget about the trauma that occurred but to better cope and manage it moving forward. 

Body Scan 

A patient body scan occurs during phase 6 of treatment. A therapist will help their client scan their entire body. They'll move through each section and part to ensure that there aren't any reoccurring or leftover physical sensations or signs and symptoms lingering. 

Closure 

The second to last phase of an EMDR treatment is the closure phase or phase 7. At the end of every EMDR session, a therapist will make sure that their client is left feeling less stressed and anxious as well as more positive and optimistic about the traumatic event and their overall life moving forward. 

Reevaluation 

The eighth and final phase of EMDR therapy is the reevaluation phase. The eighth and final step doesn't necessarily mean that the treatment is over. A therapist will continue to work with their client to make sure that they're mentally and physically okay and even improving moving forward. 

-- 

Reach out to us today to set up a consultation to learn more about EMDR therapy and how it can help you.