EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy for trauma resolution that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.
EMDR therapy utilizes the detailed protocols and procedures learned in EMDR therapy training sessions for clinicians to help clients activate their natural healing processes.
What is EMDR?
EMDR therapy is an eight-phase treatment. Eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation) are used during one part of the session. After the clinician has determined which trauma memory to target first, the therapist asks the client to hold different aspects of that event or thought in mind and use their eyes to track the therapist’s hand as it moves back and forth across the client’s field of vision.
It is believed to be connected with the biological mechanisms involved in Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. Internal associations arise and the clients begin to process the memory and disturbing feelings through client preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation of treatment affect the 8 phases of EMDR which are thoroughly described down below.
How Does EMDR Work?
During the 8 phases of EMDR therapy, many clients begin to experience spontaneous insights and a noticeable reduction in emotional overwhelm when recalling distressing memories. As treatment progresses, you may also find that related memories—sometimes uncomfortable or previously avoided—start to surface naturally.
This is a normal and important part of the process. It indicates that your brain is actively reprocessing and integrating these experiences, allowing healing to occur. Over time, these memories become less distressing, and you can think about them with greater clarity, calm, and a renewed sense of control.
The Phases of EMDR
EMDR therapy involves attention to three time periods: the past, present, and future. Focus is given to past disturbing memories and related events.
Also, it is given to current situations that cause distress, and to develop the skills and attitudes needed for positive future actions. With EMDR therapy, these items are addressed using an eight-phase treatment approach. During EMDR therapy treatment, the client will focus on a traumatic memory while their eyes track the therapist’s hand movements.
This bilateral stimulation is related to Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep functions and helps the client process their memories. In contrast to standard PTSD treatments, EMDR therapy not only closes mental wounds but also transforms them into personal empowerment.
Phase 1: History And Treatment Planning
The first phase is a history-taking session(s). The therapist assesses the client’s readiness and develops a treatment plan. The client and therapist identify possible targets for EMDR processing. These include distressing memories and current situations that cause emotional distress. Other targets may include related incidents in the past.
Initial EMDR processing may be directed to childhood events rather than to adult-onset stressors or the identified critical incident if the client had a problematic childhood. Clients generally gain insight into their situations, the emotional distress resolves and they start to change their behaviors. The length of treatment depends upon the number of traumas and the age of PTSD onset. Generally, those with single-event adult-onset trauma can be successfully treated in under 5 hours. Multiple trauma victims may require a longer treatment time.
Phase 2: Preparation
During the second phase of treatment, the therapist ensures that the client has several different ways of handling emotional distress. The therapist may teach the client a variety of imagery and stress reduction techniques the client can use during and between sessions. This stage is also used to foster trust between the therapist and the client. The therapist will explain the 8 phases of EMDR in great detail so the client will be informed, relaxed, and confident during treatment. The goal of EMDR therapy is to produce rapid and effective change while the client maintains equilibrium during and between sessions.
Phase 3-6
These four phases are explained under these terms; Assessment, Desensitization, Installation, and Body Scan. In phases three to six, a target is identified and processed using EMDR therapy procedures.
These involve the client identifying 3 things:
- The vivid visual image related to the memory
- A negative belief about self
- Related emotions and body sensations
In addition, the client identifies a positive belief. The therapist helps the client rate the positive belief as well as the intensity of the negative emotions. After this, the client is instructed to focus on the image, negative thoughts, and body sensations while simultaneously engaging in EMDR processing using sets of bilateral stimulation. These sets may include eye movements, taps, or tones. The type and length of these sets are different for each client. At this point, the EMDR client is instructed to just notice whatever spontaneously happens.
After each set of stimulation, the clinician instructs the client to let his/her mind go blank and to notice whatever thought, feeling, image, memory, or sensation comes to mind. Depending upon the client’s report, the clinician will choose the next focus of attention. These repeated sets with directed focused attention occur numerous times throughout the session. If the client becomes distressed or has difficulty in progressing, the therapist follows established procedures to help the client get back on track.
When the client reports no distress related to the targeted memory, they are asked to think of the preferred positive belief that was identified at the beginning of the session. At this time, the client may adjust the positive belief if necessary and then focus on it during the next set of distressing events until it feels true to them.
Phase 7: Closure
In phase seven, closure, the therapist asks the client to keep a log during the week. The log should document any related material that may arise. It serves to remind the client of the self-calming activities that were mastered in phase two.
Phase 8: Reevaluation
The next session begins with phase eight. Phase eight consists of examining the progress made thus far. The EMDR treatment processes all related historical events, current incidents that elicit distress, and future events that will require different responses. If the client has multiple traumas, this phase will identify those areas and the process will begin again with a new target trauma. After successful treatment with EMDR therapy, patients will achieve physiological reconciliation, relieving distress, and the ability to reformulate negative beliefs.
EMDR Therapy in Utah County
Ready to move beyond trauma and reclaim your life? At Corner Canyon Counseling in Utah County, our licensed therapists specialize in EMDR therapy to help you heal from PTSD, complex trauma, systemic trauma, and identity-based stressors—including trauma experienced within the LGBTQ+ community. Our team is extensively trained in EMDR’s evidence-based protocols and takes a personalized, compassionate approach to every client’s story.
We go beyond a one-size-fits-all model by integrating EMDR with complementary modalities like Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and somatic-based approaches, helping your mind and body process trauma safely and effectively. Whether you’re navigating long-standing trauma or recent distress, we’re here to support lasting, meaningful healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does EMDR therapy work?
EMDR therapy is a focused, evidence-based approach designed to help clients process trauma efficiently and safely. By reconnecting you with distressing memories, thoughts, emotions, and body sensations in a controlled way, EMDR activates your brain’s natural healing processes.
Many clients begin noticing relief within a few sessions, especially for single-incident trauma, while more complex trauma may take longer. Your timeline will depend on your history, treatment goals, and readiness.
Does EMDR work for anxiety?
Yes, EMDR therapy is highly effective for treating anxiety and related conditions. Research shows it can help reduce symptoms of:
- Generalized anxiety
- Panic attacks and panic disorder
- Depression and mood disorders
- Phobias, including agoraphobia
By targeting the root experiences driving anxiety (rather than just managing symptoms), EMDR helps create lasting emotional relief and healthier thought patterns.
What are the 8 phases of EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy follows a structured, eight-phase approach to ensure safe and thorough trauma processing:
- History Taking & Treatment Planning: Identifying past experiences and current triggers
- Preparation: Building coping skills and emotional regulation tools
- Assessment: Defining target memories, beliefs, and emotional responses
- Desensitization: Processing distressing memories using bilateral stimulation
- Installation: Strengthening positive beliefs and adaptive thinking
- Body Scan: Releasing residual physical tension connected to trauma
- Closure: Ensuring stability at the end of each session
- Reevaluation: Tracking progress and identifying next steps
Does Corner Canyon accept insurance for EMDR therapy?
Corner Canyon Counseling works with a variety of insurance providers and can help you understand your coverage for EMDR therapy in Utah County. Because benefits vary by plan, our team will guide you through verification and discuss private-pay options if needed—so you can focus on getting the care you need without added stress.
How does Corner Canyon treat trauma and PTSD?
our trauma-informed care goes beyond standard EMDR protocols. Our clinicians are specially trained in treating PTSD, complex trauma, systemic trauma, and LGBTQ+–related trauma with sensitivity, cultural awareness, and clinical expertise.
We integrate EMDR with complementary therapies, such as somatic approaches and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), to support whole-person healing.