Inside an EMDR Session: What to Expect and How It Works
Inside an EMDR Session: What to Expect and How It Works
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychological therapy widely used to support individuals who have experienced trauma, overwhelming stress, or distressing life events. For many people, the idea of EMDR can feel unfamiliar or even intimidating, particularly when they are unsure what happens during a session or how eye movements relate to emotional healing. Understanding how EMDR works and what to expect can help individuals approach therapy with greater confidence and a sense of control.
Why EMDR Is Used in Psychological and Neurorehabilitation Settings
Distressing experiences can become ‘stuck’ in the brain, continuing to trigger intense emotional or physical responses long after the event has passed. These memories may surface as intrusive thoughts, strong emotional reactions, physical sensations, or patterns of avoidance that interfere with daily life. EMDR is designed to help the brain process these experiences more adaptively. Rather than focusing on prolonged discussion of the event, EMDR works directly with how memories are stored and accessed, supporting the brain’s natural capacity to integrate and resolve distress.
What Happens During an EMDR Session
An EMDR session begins with careful preparation. The therapist ensures that the individual feels safe, informed, and ready to engage in the process. Time is spent identifying the memories or experiences that are causing current distress, alongside the emotions, beliefs, and physical sensations associated with them. Once this groundwork is in place, the therapist guides the individual through sets of bilateral stimulation, most commonly through guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues. While focusing briefly on the memory, the individual follows the stimulation, allowing thoughts, images, and sensations to arise and pass without judgement.
How EMDR Supports Emotional Processing
The bilateral stimulation used in EMDR is thought to help the brain shift memories from a state of emotional intensity to one of adaptive integration. As processing unfolds, the memory often becomes less vivid and less emotionally charged. Individuals may notice changes in perspective, spontaneous insights, or a reduction in physical tension linked to the memory. Importantly, EMDR does not erase memories; instead, it changes how they are stored, allowing individuals to remember past experiences without becoming overwhelmed by them. Over time, distressing beliefs such as “I am unsafe” or “I am powerless” may naturally shift toward more balanced and compassionate understandings.
A Supportive, Evidence-Based Approach
At The London Neurocognitive Clinic, EMDR is delivered as part of a thoughtful, individualised therapeutic framework. Our clinicians prioritise preparation, emotional safety, and clear explanation at every stage of therapy. Whether EMDR is used to address trauma, anxiety, or distress linked to neurological or psychological conditions, the goal remains the same: to help individuals process difficult experiences, reduce emotional burden, and move forward with greater resilience. By understanding what happens inside an EMDR session, clients can engage in therapy feeling informed, supported, and empowered throughout the process.
