Will I have to relive a difficult memory during my first EMDR session?
It's a question you may have if you're preparing to start treatment, especially when the experiences you're seeking help for are already difficult to discuss.
Your first EMDR appointment typically focuses on understanding your history, discussing your treatment goals, and preparing for memory processing. Your therapist will explain the approach, ask about your concerns, and introduce techniques for managing distress.
At Resolve Counseling Group in Murfreesboro, we provide EMDR therapy for people working through trauma-related concerns. Here's what usually happens during the first appointment and what you can expect as treatment progresses.
Key Takeaways
Your first EMDR sessions usually focus on assessment, history-taking, and preparation.
You can discuss difficult topics at a manageable pace and ask to pause
Preparation may include grounding techniques, calm-place imagery, and an introduction to bilateral stimulation.
Some people feel tired or emotional after a session, while others notice little change.
Memory reprocessing begins when your therapist has assessed your readiness. The number of preparation appointments varies.
Do You Do EMDR in the First Session?
EMDR treatment usually begins with a discussion of your history, symptoms, and goals. Your therapist explains the process and introduces preparation techniques before deciding when to begin memory reprocessing. Some clinicians demonstrate bilateral stimulation during the first appointment, but the timing of trauma processing depends on your individual needs and readiness.
The EMDR preparation phase helps you become familiar with the treatment and develop ways to manage distress. Your therapist also considers your current symptoms, coping resources, and support system when planning the next steps.
What Happens in Your First EMDR Session
During your first appointment, your therapist may guide you through these six steps:
Review intake paperwork and consent. You'll discuss confidentiality, its limits, the treatment process, and any questions about starting therapy.
Talk about your history and goals. Your therapist asks about current symptoms, relevant experiences, and what you'd like to address.
Learn how EMDR works. You'll receive an explanation of the treatment phases and how bilateral stimulation is used.
Practice grounding techniques. Your therapist may introduce exercises to help you manage distress and stay connected to the present.
Explore calm-place imagery. You may practice imagining a calming location or learn another technique suited to your needs.
Agree on pacing and communication. You'll discuss how to signal discomfort, request adjustments, or pause an exercise.
Your therapist will adapt the appointment to your concerns and the information gathered during assessment.
Sharing Your History Without Retelling Everything
Your therapist will ask about your current symptoms, relevant experiences, previous treatment, and how your concerns affect daily life.
You may discuss particular memories or situations that trigger distress. This information helps your therapist identify treatment goals and assess which experiences may need attention.
You don't need to recount every detail of a traumatic experience during your first appointment. You can explain when something feels difficult to discuss and work with your therapist to determine an appropriate pace.
Learning Grounding and Calm-Place Skills
Grounding techniques help you stay oriented to the present when difficult thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations arise. Therapists often introduce these strategies during EMDR preparation, a process sometimes called resourcing.
One simple exercise involves:
Placing both feet on the floor and noticing the contact beneath them.
Looking around and identifying three things you can see.
Paying attention to your breathing and taking a few comfortable, unhurried breaths.
Your therapist may also introduce calm-place imagery. This involves imagining a real or fictional setting you associate with comfort and noticing its sights, sounds, or other details.
Different techniques work for different people, so your therapist can help you find strategies that suit your needs.
What Does Bilateral Stimulation Feel Like?
Bilateral stimulation involves alternating sensory input, such as following side-to-side eye movements, experiencing alternating taps, or listening to sounds presented from one side to the other.
Your therapist may demonstrate these methods during preparation so you can become familiar with the sensations. Some people find them easy to follow, while others prefer adjustments to the speed or type of stimulation.
During memory processing, bilateral stimulation is used alongside attention to selected memories, thoughts, emotions, or body sensations.
Trying bilateral stimulation during preparation doesn't necessarily mean trauma reprocessing has begun.
The VA National Center for PTSD explains how EMDR uses bilateral stimulation as part of treatment.
When Does Reprocessing Begin?
Memory reprocessing begins after your therapist has gathered relevant history, introduced preparation techniques, and assessed your readiness.
EMDR follows eight treatment phases, as described by the EMDR International Association:
History-taking and treatment planning: Understanding your symptoms, experiences, and treatment goals.
Preparation: Learning about EMDR and developing techniques for managing distress.
Assessment: Identifying a target memory and the beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations associated with it.
Desensitization: Processing the memory using bilateral stimulation.
Installation: Strengthening a more adaptive belief associated with the experience.
Body scan: Checking for remaining physical distress connected to the memory.
Closure: Ending the appointment with attention to your emotional stability.
Reevaluation: Reviewing your response to treatment and identifying what needs further attention.
The main memory-processing work occurs during desensitization, installation, and body scan.
Some clients need several appointments for preparation, while others progress through the early phases differently. Your therapist will determine the next steps based on your clinical needs.
For a more detailed explanation, read our guide on how EMDR therapy works.
Have questions about starting EMDR? Resolve offers a free 15-minute consultation to discuss treatment options and appointment availability. Contact our team to get started.
What You Might Feel After a Session
You may feel tired, emotional, reflective, or relieved after an EMDR appointment. Some people notice vivid dreams or memories coming to mind between sessions, particularly after memory processing. Others experience little noticeable change.
Your therapist may recommend a few ways to care for yourself afterward:
Allow time to rest if you feel tired.
Eat regularly and stay hydrated.
Practice grounding techniques when needed.
Make a note of concerns you'd like to discuss at your next appointment.
Leave some flexibility in your schedule after emotionally demanding sessions.
If your symptoms worsen, distress becomes difficult to manage, or you experience concerning reactions between appointments, contact your therapist.
For an immediate mental health crisis in the United States, call or text 988 or seek emergency care.
How to Prepare for Your First EMDR Session
You can prepare for your first appointment with a few practical steps:
Get adequate rest. Follow your usual sleep routine before the appointment.
Eat beforehand. Have a meal or snack so you're physically comfortable during the session.
Bring medication information. Prepare a list of current medications and relevant treatment history.
Write down questions. Ask about the treatment process, appointment length, or concerns you have about discussing difficult experiences.
Consider your goals. Think about the symptoms or situations you'd like help addressing.
Allow some time afterward. Leave room in your schedule if you'd prefer to rest or process the conversation.
Resolve provides in-person EMDR therapy at our office, along with online counseling throughout Tennessee. Your therapist can discuss whether virtual EMDR is appropriate for your needs.
Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR is an evidence-based treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and may be considered for other trauma-related concerns following a clinical assessment.
People seek EMDR for symptoms such as distressing memories, recurring triggers, negative beliefs connected to past experiences, and difficulty managing emotional responses.
Your therapist will consider your symptoms, treatment history, coping resources, and current circumstances when recommending an approach. Some clients benefit from additional preparation or stabilization before beginning memory processing.
At Resolve, our trauma therapy services include treatment options for people dealing with the effects of difficult experiences.
We also offer EMDR intensives, which provide longer treatment blocks for clients whose clinical needs are suited to that format. EMDR intensives are often ideal for working professionals who struggle to fit weekly appointments into busy routines, or for anyone who feels prepared to dedicate concentrated time to deeper therapeutic progress. Provided you have sufficient coping resources, stability, and readiness to address difficult memories, these extended sessions allow for dedicated focus on your healing goals outside of a standard weekly schedule. During your assessment, your therapist will evaluate your clinical needs to help determine if an intensive model aligns with your path forward.
To compare treatment approaches, read our guide on EMDR vs. talk therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does EMDR Hurt?
EMDR doesn't typically cause physical pain, although discussing or processing distressing memories can bring up uncomfortable emotions and body sensations.
You may notice muscle tension, anxiety, or other physical responses. Tell your therapist if something feels overwhelming so they can provide additional support and resourcing to support you.
Will EMDR Make My Trauma Worse?
EMDR can temporarily bring up difficult memories, emotions, or symptoms, particularly during memory reprocessing.
Preparation and stabilization help therapists assess readiness and manage distress during treatment. If your symptoms worsen or begin interfering with daily life, discuss those changes with your therapist so your treatment plan can be reviewed.
How Many EMDR Sessions Will I Need?
The number of sessions depends on your trauma history, current symptoms, treatment goals, and readiness for reprocessing.
Some clients need several preparation appointments before beginning memory processing. Your therapist can recommend an initial treatment schedule after assessment and review your progress as therapy continues.
Can I Do EMDR Online?
EMDR can be provided through telehealth by appropriately trained clinicians when it's clinically suitable.
Resolve offers online counseling throughout Tennessee. Virtual EMDR appointments require a private setting, reliable internet access, and an agreed plan for managing distress during treatment.
Do I Have to Talk About Everything During EMDR?
You don't have to recount every detail of a traumatic experience for EMDR treatment.
Your therapist will ask for relevant information to understand your concerns and develop a treatment plan. You can communicate when particular topics feel difficult to discuss.
Is the First EMDR Session the Hardest?
Some people find the first appointment emotionally demanding because they're discussing personal experiences with a new therapist.
Others find later memory-processing appointments more challenging. The experience depends on the treatment phase, topics discussed, and your individual response.
Is It Normal to Cry During EMDR Therapy?
Crying can happen when discussing or processing difficult experiences. Other people may feel sadness, frustration, relief, or little noticeable emotion during a session.
Crying isn't required for treatment to be effective. You can tell your therapist how you're feeling and request a break when needed.
What Are the Signs That EMDR Is Working?
Progress may include feeling less distress when recalling difficult memories, changes in negative beliefs about yourself, or improvements in everyday functioning.
You may also notice that certain triggers feel less intense or become easier to manage.
Your therapist will review these changes over time through discussions about your goals, symptom check-ins, and other appropriate assessment methods.
Ready to Start EMDR in Murfreesboro?
Resolve Counseling Group offers EMDR therapy for clients in Murfreesboro and surrounding communities, including Smyrna and La Vergne.
If you have questions about your first appointment, available clinicians, or treatment options, our team offers a free 15-minute consultation.
Book your free consultation or call 615.900.4008.
You can also learn more about our EMDR therapy services.
