Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, research-backed form of psychotherapy used to help people recover from traumatic experiences, anxiety, and distressing memories. While it may sound technical or mysterious at first, EMDR is rooted in a straightforward concept: our brains can heal from emotional wounds much like our bodies heal from physical ones—with the right tools and support.
At the Center for Intimacy, Connection, and Change, we provide EMDR therapy to clients in Baltimore, MD, and throughout Maryland via telehealth. If you’ve ever asked, “What exactly happens during EMDR?” or “What are the stages of EMDR?” this guide will walk you through what to expect—whether you’re seeking EMDR in Baltimore City, Towson, Columbia, or anywhere in Maryland.
Table of Contents
What Is EMDR?
EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro. She discovered that rhythmic eye movements could reduce the emotional intensity of disturbing memories. Over time, this evolved into an eight-phase, structured therapy approach used to process trauma, reframe limiting beliefs, and restore emotional balance.
At its core, EMDR helps the brain reprocess distressing memories that have gotten “stuck” in the nervous system. These stuck memories can show up in everyday life as emotional overwhelm, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or physical symptoms. EMDR therapy in Maryland helps “unstick” these memories, allowing the brain to store them in a healthier, more adaptive way.
What Exactly Happens During EMDR?
If you’re considering EMDR therapy in Baltimore or anywhere in Maryland, you might be wondering what to expect. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to share every detail of your traumatic memory. Instead, it uses bilateral stimulation (BLS)—such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds—to help your brain process the memory in a new way.
Here’s what happens during a typical EMDR session:
- You focus on a distressing memory, including the emotions, body sensations, and negative beliefs associated with it.
- While focusing on the memory, your therapist guides you through bilateral stimulation, such as moving your eyes back and forth or tapping on your knees.
- This process helps the brain reprocess the memory, reducing its emotional intensity and transforming negative beliefs into more positive, adaptive ones.
Let’s explore what are the stages of EMDR in more detail.
What Are the Stages of EMDR?
EMDR is structured around eight clearly defined phases. Whether you’re seeking EMDR in Baltimore, Annapolis, or across Maryland via telehealth, these phases guide the therapeutic process:
1. History Taking and Treatment Planning
In this first phase, your Maryland-based EMDR therapist gathers a full picture of your history and current symptoms. You’ll work together to identify target memories or distressing experiences you’d like to address.
2. Preparation
Your therapist will explain how EMDR works and help you build coping strategies to manage any distress that might come up. You might learn:
- Deep breathing techniques
- Visualization exercises
- “Safe place” imagery for emotional regulation
These tools ensure you feel grounded and supported throughout the process.
3. Assessment
During assessment, you’ll focus on a specific memory and identify:
- The negative belief attached to the memory (e.g., “I’m not safe”)
- Associated emotions and physical sensations
- A preferred positive belief you’d like to strengthen (e.g., “I am safe now”)
You’ll rate how true or distressing these beliefs feel, providing a baseline for tracking progress.
4. Desensitization
This is where the core processing happens. While focusing on the memory, you engage in bilateral stimulation. This allows the brain to naturally process and reduce the emotional charge of the memory.
You might notice:
- New thoughts or emotions surfacing
- Shifts in body sensations
- A reduction in distress over time
5. Installation
After desensitization, your therapist helps you install a positive belief to replace the negative one. This strengthens your sense of empowerment and emotional resilience.
6. Body Scan
You’ll scan your body to check for any lingering tension or discomfort related to the memory. If any is present, additional processing may take place to resolve it fully.
7. Closure
Each session ends with grounding techniques to help you leave feeling stable and in control. Your therapist may also recommend journaling or reflection exercises to continue the work between sessions.
8. Re-evaluation
At the start of the next session, you and your therapist will review progress and decide whether to continue with the same memory or move on to new targets.
What Is the Process of EMDR Step by Step?
Here’s a summary of the process of EMDR step by step for Maryland clients:
- History Taking – Review past experiences and symptoms.
- Preparation – Learn coping skills and build trust.
- Assessment – Identify a target memory and beliefs.
- Desensitization – Process the memory using bilateral stimulation.
- Installation – Reinforce positive beliefs.
- Body Scan – Ensure physical and emotional resolution.
- Closure – Return to calm with grounding strategies.
- Re-evaluation – Review progress and set new goals.
Is EMDR Right for You?
While EMDR is best known for treating trauma and PTSD, it’s also effective for other issues, including:
- Anxiety and Panic Attacks
- Depression
- Phobias
- Grief and Loss
- Low Self-Esteem
- Chronic Pain
Whether you’re in Baltimore, Columbia, Rockville, or anywhere in Maryland, EMDR therapy can help you break free from emotional patterns that hold you back. It’s especially beneficial if you struggle to verbalize your experiences, as EMDR works with the brain’s natural healing processes.
Related article: What Does EMDR Help With?
Ready to Explore EMDR Therapy in Maryland?
Understanding how EMDR works can help ease the uncertainty about starting therapy. By breaking down what exactly happens during EMDR and explaining what are the stages of EMDR, we hope this guide has made the process feel more approachable.
If you’re located in Baltimore, Towson, Silver Spring, or anywhere in Maryland, the Center for Intimacy, Connection, and Change offers EMDR therapy both in-person and through secure telehealth services. Our trained EMDR therapists are here to support you on your healing journey.You don’t have to carry the weight of trauma alone, schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward healing.
