The 8 Phases of EMDR: what to expect at every stage
EMDR follows a clear, structured process designed to keep you safe while working through difficult memories. Knowing the phases can help you feel more prepared and in control of the journey.
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What does the The 8 Phases of EMDR Mini Course cover?
The eight phases of EMDR from history-taking and preparation through assessment, desensitisation, installation and body scan to closure and re-evaluation, why so much of the work is preparation and safety, and how the pace is shaped around you.
Who is this The 8 Phases of EMDR Mini Course for?
Helpful if you:
🗺️ Are about to start EMDR and want to know what happens
😬 Feel nervous about processing difficult memories
🧭 Like knowing where you are in a process
For therapists:
Send this course to clients during the preparation phase so the structure is familiar before processing begins. Their answer on what would feel most important before starting helps you plan resourcing and stabilisation. Fully HIPAA and GDPR compliant.
Dr Harriet Mellotte
Clinical Psychologist & CBT Therapist, BABCP
“Offload is a fantastic resource for both clients and therapists. The world of CBT has been lacking an app which enables the sharing of CBT worksheets and homework tasks between clients and therapists, but Offload completely does this, making the service we offer more professional and the benefits to clients greater.”
Frequently asked questions
What are the eight phases of EMDR?
History-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitisation, installation, body scan, closure and re-evaluation. The first two build safety and coping skills, the middle phases process a chosen memory using back-and-forth stimulation, and the final phases check what has changed and plan the next steps.
Does EMDR start with processing memories straight away?
No. Much of EMDR is preparation. Before any memory work, you and your therapist build trust, learn grounding and calming skills, and make sure you feel ready. Many people are surprised by how much time goes into this stage, and it is what keeps the later processing manageable.
How long does each phase take?
There is no fixed timetable. Some people spend several sessions in preparation, others move more quickly once they feel stable, and complex histories take longer than single-event trauma. The process is shaped around your readiness, and your therapist will move at a pace that feels manageable.
Can my therapist assign this course?
Yes. EMDR-trained therapists on Offload can send this course during the preparation phase so the structure is familiar before processing begins, and your answer on what would feel most important helps them plan resourcing. Your responses are available for them to review beforehand. Fully HIPAA and GDPR compliant.
Are you a therapist?
Assign this therapy tool and 200+ other interactive tools directly to your clients. Build personalised care plans, customise tools, and review client responses before sessions. HIPAA and GDPR compliant.
Explore Offload for therapistsReferences
Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. Lee, C. W., & Cuijpers, P. (2013). A meta-analysis of the contribution of eye movements in processing emotional memories. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 44(2), 231–239. American Psychiatric Association. (2017). Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
