Preparation comes first.
EMDR involves more than eye movements. We begin with your history, what you want help with, and preparation for managing distress. At Pathways, the first session focuses on getting to know you; goals and treatment planning begin in the second session.
The eight phases still guide the work.
The phases are history and treatment planning, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. At Pathways, I navigate all eight by video, including reprocessing, when virtual EMDR is appropriate for your needs.
What reprocessing can involve.
We identify a target memory and related beliefs, emotions, and body sensations. During sets of eye movements, sounds, or taps, you notice what comes up and share it with me. You can ask to pause. Preparation and readiness guide the pace; there is no fixed number of sessions for everyone.
Make room for the session.
Choose a private, comfortable space with a stable connection. You must be physically in Ohio and cannot attend from a moving vehicle. We discuss the setup, how to pause, and what to do if the connection drops before beginning reprocessing.
Learn about trauma therapy and EMDR at Pathways.
Further reading: EMDR International Association: Experiencing EMDR Therapy.