Starting a new type of therapy can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure what it will involve. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is one of those approaches where many people aren’t quite sure what to expect. If you’re beginning this path to process trauma or manage post-traumatic stress, you might be carrying not just old pain but also questions, nerves, maybe even doubt. That’s completely normal.
EMDR therapy is designed to help people deal with memories that feel too heavy or stuck in the past. The first session doesn’t fix everything, but it begins the process. Knowing what to expect during that first visit can help take away some of the anxiety. Whether you’re here in Lehi or nearby, understanding how EMDR therapy for PTSD works and what the beginning steps look like can help ease the pressure and build confidence in getting started.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a therapeutic approach used to help people heal from distressing memories, especially those tied to trauma or PTSD. Instead of diving straight into the details of past events, EMDR uses something called bilateral stimulation. This can be eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones that go back and forth from left to right. The idea is that this process helps the brain better process locked-away memories that weren’t fully handled at the time they happened.
When hard experiences aren’t fully processed, the brain can hold onto them like unfinished files. That’s where nightmares, flashbacks, or wave-like emotional shifts often come in. EMDR doesn’t erase or rewrite those memories. It helps change the way the mind and body respond to them. You might still remember what happened, but the sting of it and the intensity of the emotion start to change.
Here’s a simple example: think about a smoke alarm going off every time you toast bread. It’s reacting more strongly than needed, even though the situation isn’t dangerous. EMDR works a bit like adjusting the alarm so it only responds when there’s a real fire, not whenever you make breakfast. The therapy helps the mind understand the difference between a painful memory in the past and the safety of the present.
Preparing For Your First Session
Your first EMDR session is usually more about preparation than jumping into the actual eye movement work. The therapist needs to get to know you and your background, and you need time to get comfortable with the process. Think of it as laying the groundwork for trust and understanding.
Here are a few ways to prepare:
- Bring any important medical or mental health history. If you’ve done therapy before or been diagnosed with something like PTSD, that information can be helpful.
- Think about the main reason you’re seeking EMDR. You don’t need to know every detail of your trauma story, but having a general sense of what’s still hurting you can be a good starting point.
- Come with questions. If you’re unsure about how EMDR works or what happens if things feel too intense, write down your questions ahead of time. It’s okay to want clarity before getting started.
- Get a good night’s sleep if you can. You don’t need to be totally stress-free, but being a little rested does help you feel more grounded.
- Try not to rush your schedule that day. Give yourself some breathing room before and after the session so you’re not jumping from one thing to the next.
Emotionally, it helps to remind yourself that there are no right answers or perfect ways to do therapy. You’re showing up, and that’s what matters most. Sometimes just agreeing to walk into that first appointment is a big win, and it’s one worth acknowledging.
What Happens During the Session
In your first EMDR session, the therapist will set the stage for what’s to come. This begins with a conversation to establish trust and understanding. You’ll discuss your history and reasons for seeking therapy. This step is important because your therapist needs to know about significant events in your life, particularly those that seem to stick in your mind. It’s a bit like opening the door to see what’s been hidden for a long time, without walking through it just yet.
Once the groundwork is laid, the therapist explains how the desensitization process works. The actual EMDR process involves bilateral stimulation, often using eye movements. Your therapist may guide you with their fingers, ask you to follow a light, or use sounds that alternate between your ears. The goal is to help your brain process memories and reduce the intensity of their emotional impact.
The session usually finishes with a kind of cool-down. You’re brought back to the present if any distress was stirred up. Therapists might guide you through relaxation exercises. After the session, some people feel lighter, while others may feel a bit tired or emotional. This range of feelings is normal, and your therapist can talk you through what to expect next.
Common Experiences and Reactions
During and after EMDR sessions, it’s common to experience a range of emotions and sensations. People often describe feeling a sense of relief or release, sometimes mixed with fatigue. This can be the mind and body’s way of processing what was stirred during the session. It’s like your emotional muscles have had a workout, and now they’re processing the exercise.
You might experience memories coming up more frequently, or you might notice them starting to lose their grip. Some feelings you’ve held in might surface, and that’s okay. They indicate that your mind is working to untangle old knots. It’s a good time to practice self-care.
Here are some tips to help you after your EMDR sessions:
- Rest up after your session. It’s common to feel a bit drained as your mind continues to process.
- Stay hydrated and eat something light to keep your energy levels stable.
- Write down any thoughts or dreams that feel significant. Sharing these with your therapist can be helpful.
- Engage in calming activities like walking or light yoga. They can help ground you after an emotional session.
Moving Forward with EMDR Therapy
Follow-up sessions carry a lot of value. Progress builds over time, and each meeting helps the brain process more layers of memory. Regular appointments give your therapist time to help you both address deeper issues and track your growth.
As the work continues, therapy may shift focus. You might move from trauma-specific memories to dealing with stress from daily life, relationships, or future goals. The consistency gives your mind space to grow while reinforcing the positive changes already underway.
Ongoing EMDR therapy isn’t about reliving old pain endlessly. It’s about building clarity and resiliency so that old situations lose their power and new paths come into focus.
Why That First Step Matters
Moving ahead with EMDR therapy opens up real possibilities for relief and stability. That first step—just showing up to your first session—carries more weight than it might seem. It unlocks the process of sorting through what’s been stuck for too long.
If you’re unsure whether EMDR is right for you, that’s okay. It’s common to feel hesitant when trying something new, especially when it touches on deep emotions. But getting help isn’t about being broken. It’s about wanting things to get better and being open to something that can support that change.
Each session builds trust, both with your therapist and within yourself. Your story is still yours, but EMDR can help you carry it with less pain and more peace. Healing isn’t a straight line, but taking that first intentional step forward is where it begins.
Taking the first step into EMDR therapy for PTSD can be a powerful way to begin healing and regain control over your life. At LifeTree Counseling Center, our compassionate therapists are ready to support you through this journey. Learn how this approach can help you process past traumas and feel more at peace with the present. Discover the benefits it may bring as you work toward a calmer, more balanced future.
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