What to Expect in Your First EMDR Session: A Beginner’s Guide

Over the past few blogs, we’ve explored how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps people process and heal from deep emotional wounds—and how beautifully it aligns with God’s design for renewal and restoration. Did you miss those? No worries, click here for what is EMDR and click here for how it is applied with faith based counseling! EMDR doesn’t just ease symptoms; it supports true, lasting healing by working with the brain’s natural ability to process pain and move forward. For those seeking a faith-based approach, it can be an especially powerful tool—integrating spiritual truth with emotional transformation.

Now that we’ve covered the what and why of EMDR, let’s talk about the how. If you’re considering starting this journey, you might be wondering what your first session will be like. In this next blog, we’ll walk you through what to expect so you can feel more confident and prepared as you take this first courageous step toward healing.

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1. Before Your First EMDR Session

Research and Preparation

At New Pathways, the process begins with a simple consultation form on our website. This gives us a clearer picture of the challenges you’re facing and the goals you hope to achieve through counseling. Once we receive your form, we’ll typically schedule a brief 10-minute phone consultation with me, Addison, to ensure that we’re the right fit for your needs and therapy goals. This step is all about making sure you feel supported and confident as you begin your journey toward healing. I know this part seems nerve-wracking, BUT I promise my goal is to make this as easy as possible (you are not more awkward than me, I promise!)

Finding a Qualified Therapist

It’s essential to work with an EMDR-trained therapist. You can use the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) directory to find a certified practitioner near you (www.emdria.org). Rest assured, all of the therapists at New Pathways performing EMDR have been trained through EMDRIA!

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2. What Happens During Your First Session?

Your first EMDR session typically focuses on preparation, education, and building trust. Here’s what you can expect:

A. Intake and History-Taking

• The therapist will ask about your background, including any past trauma, emotional challenges, or current symptoms. We utilize the Adverse Childhood Experience exam (ACE) and a detailed intake process during your first appointment to get a thorough history!
• They may inquire about specific memories or triggers that cause distress. This allows the therapist to create a roadmap for healing so to speak.

B. Education About EMDR

• Your therapist will explain how EMDR works, including the use of bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones).
• Your therapist will then address any questions or concerns, such as:
  • “Will I have to talk about my trauma in detail?” (Nope, you don’t have to share every detail!)
  • “Will I lose control of my emotions?” (It might be an emotional journey, but our job as therapists is to ensure you feel safe, stable, and supported throughout.)

C. Establishing Safety and Comfort

• You’ll practice grounding techniques, such as deep breathing, visualization, or muscle relaxation, to help you stay calm during sessions.
• You and your therapist will work together to utilize and strengthen coping mechanisms you may already have established (e.g., Praying, reading, exercise). It is crucial to ensure that you are taking care of your spiritual, physical, and emotional self while participating in EMDR.

D. Setting Goals

• Together, you’ll walk through that road map of what you hope to achieve through EMDR. This might include reducing the emotional intensity of specific memories or addressing patterns of anxiety or self-doubt.

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3. What Won’t Happen in Your First Session

No, there will not be intense processing (insert a deep breath!)

Rest assured, the first session is about building trust and preparing for the later stages of EMDR. At New Pathways we understand this is a big commitment to jump into EMDR. We want to make sure you are as equipped and knowledgeable about the process as possible before getting started. I don’t take it lightly when someone reaches out to begin therapy. Choosing to break a cycle—whether it’s rooted in trauma, unhealthy patterns, or generational pain—is incredibly brave. It’s a sacred step toward healing, and I count it a true honor to walk alongside you in that process.

Addison