What Happens in an EMDR Therapy Session? | EMDR Therapy Las Vegas
If you’re considering EMDR therapy, it’s common to wonder what a session actually looks like. Many people hear that EMDR involves eye movements or bilateral stimulation, but they may not fully understand how the process works or what to expect.
At Thrive Mental Health LV in Las Vegas, EMDR therapy is offered as part of a trauma-informed approach to help individuals process difficult memories, reduce emotional distress, and build healthier beliefs about themselves.
Understanding the process can help you feel more prepared and comfortable if you decide to begin EMDR therapy.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help the brain process distressing memories that may still be affecting the present.
When a person experiences something overwhelming, the brain may store the memory in a way that keeps it emotionally active. This can lead to triggers, anxiety, or negative beliefs about oneself long after the event has passed.
EMDR therapy helps the brain reprocess these experiences so the memory becomes less emotionally intense and more integrated as something that happened in the past.
The Phases of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy typically follows an eight-phase framework. Not every session involves processing memories right away. In fact, the early phases focus on preparation and building emotional safety.
1. History and Treatment Planning
Your therapist will begin by learning about your history, current concerns, and goals for therapy. Together you will identify experiences or beliefs that may be connected to current distress.
2. Preparation and Skill Building
Before processing memories, your therapist helps you develop grounding and regulation skills. These may include breathing exercises, visualization, or other techniques to help you stay within a comfortable emotional window.
The goal is to ensure you feel supported and able to regulate your nervous system during the work.
3. Identifying a Target Memory
During EMDR processing sessions, you and your therapist will identify a specific memory, image, belief, or body sensation that represents the distressing experience.
For example, a client might identify a negative belief such as:
“I’m not safe.”
“I’m not good enough.”
“I’m alone.”
4. Bilateral Stimulation and Processing
During the processing phase, you briefly bring aspects of the memory to mind while following bilateral stimulation such as:
Eye movements
Alternating tapping
Auditory tones
This stimulation helps activate the brain’s natural processing system. Over time, the memory may begin to shift, often becoming less emotionally charged or more distant.
Many clients notice new insights, perspectives, or emotional shifts emerging naturally during this process.
5. Strengthening Positive Beliefs
Once the emotional intensity of the memory decreases, EMDR focuses on strengthening more adaptive beliefs such as:
“I am safe now.”
“I did the best I could.”
“I am worthy of care and support.”
These beliefs are reinforced through additional bilateral stimulation.
6. Body Awareness
Because trauma can be stored in the body, EMDR also includes noticing physical sensations. This step helps ensure that the body feels calmer and more regulated after processing.
What EMDR Therapy Feels Like
Every client’s experience with EMDR is unique. Some people describe it as feeling like their brain is “making connections” or reorganizing memories.
Others report that memories feel less vivid or emotionally intense after processing. Many clients also notice changes in how they respond to triggers in everyday life.
Importantly, EMDR therapy does not require describing traumatic experiences in detail, which can make it feel more approachable for some individuals.
EMDR Therapy in Las Vegas and Across Nevada
At Thrive Mental Health LV, Candra Ojeda provides EMDR therapy for individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, and difficult life transitions.
Sessions are available in person in Summerlin, Las Vegas, as well as online across Nevada through secure telehealth.
The goal of EMDR therapy is to help clients process painful experiences, reconnect with their resilience, and move forward with greater emotional freedom.
Considering EMDR Therapy?
If you’re curious about EMDR therapy or wondering whether it might be helpful for you, starting with a consultation can help you explore your options and ask questions about the process.
You can learn more about EMDR therapy or schedule an appointment at:
thrivementalhealthlv.com
