What are the 8 stages of EMDR? - Safe Space Psychotherapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has become one of the most respected and evidence-based treatments for trauma and emotional distress. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR helps individuals process painful experiences by using bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones—to rewire how the brain stores and responds to traumatic memories.

Understanding the 8 stages of EMDR therapy is essential for both clients and therapists. Each stage plays a critical role in preparing, processing, and reinforcing healing from trauma.

At Safe Space Wellness, we provide safe, confidential, and supportive therapy environments both in person and online—to help clients move through each phase of EMDR with care and confidence. Our trauma-informed practitioners ensure that every individual’s healing journey is guided with compassion and professionalism.

Overview of EMDR Therapy and Its 8 Stages

EMDR therapy is an eight-phase psychotherapy method designed to help individuals reprocess distressing memories and transform negative thought patterns into positive, adaptive ones. These stages are not just steps—they represent a holistic journey of emotional healing.

Each phase has a distinct therapeutic purpose, from understanding the client’s history to reinforcing positive beliefs after trauma processing.

At Safe Space Wellness, our approach emphasizes trauma-informed care and personalized treatment plans, ensuring that each client receives support tailored to their emotional needs throughout all eight stages.

Phase 1: History Taking and Treatment Planning

The first stage of EMDR therapy focuses on understanding the client’s background. The therapist collects a comprehensive history, identifying traumatic experiences, distressing life events, and emotional triggers that contribute to the client’s symptoms.

During this stage:

The therapist maps out target memories for EMDR processing.
Treatment goals are clearly defined based on the client’s individual needs.
The client’s current coping skills, emotional regulation, and readiness are assessed.

At Safe Space Wellness, our private and welcoming therapy rooms provide an environment where clients can openly share their stories without fear of judgment. This confidentiality forms the foundation of trust essential for effective trauma work.

Phase 2: Preparation

The preparation phase helps clients build the resilience and tools needed to safely process distressing memories. This stage focuses on developing coping mechanisms and fostering a strong therapeutic alliance.

Therapists teach techniques such as:

Deep breathing and mindfulness.
Visualization of a safe or calm place.
Grounding exercises to manage emotional surges.

At Safe Space Wellness, we prioritize this phase to ensure clients feel safe, supported, and equipped for the upcoming work. Our secure, calm therapy environments—both in-person and through Zoom Rooms—are designed to foster trust, relaxation, and readiness.

Phase 3: Assessment

In this phase, the therapist and client identify specific target memories for reprocessing. Each target is broken down into its components—images, thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.

The client identifies:

A negative belief linked to the trauma (e.g., “I am powerless”).
A positive belief they would like to hold instead (e.g., “I am strong and in control”).
The level of distress using the Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUDS) scale.
The strength of the positive belief using the Validity of Cognition (VOC) scale.

At Safe Space Wellness, therapists are supported with structured facilities and assessment resources that ensure precision, comfort, and care throughout this stage.

Phase 4: Desensitization

Desensitization is the core processing phase of EMDR therapy. Through bilateral stimulation (BLS)—eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues—the therapist guides the client to reprocess the target memory.

During this phase:

The emotional intensity of the traumatic memory begins to decrease.
The client may experience emerging thoughts, sensations, or insights.
The brain’s natural healing process helps “recode” the experience into a less distressing memory.

At Safe Space Wellness, clients are provided with a comfortable and controlled setting for this critical phase, allowing them to process emotions safely under expert supervision.

Phase 5: Installation

Once the distress associated with the trauma has been reduced, the next step is to install positive beliefs to replace negative ones. This phase strengthens the adaptive cognition (e.g., “I am safe now”) and integrates it into the client’s emotional and cognitive framework.

Bilateral stimulation continues during this stage to reinforce the positive belief at both conscious and subconscious levels.

Safe Space Wellness supports clients through this transformation by ensuring the therapy process remains empowering, helping individuals embrace self-worth, safety, and resilience.

Phase 6: Body Scan

Trauma often manifests not only in the mind but also in the body. The body scan phase helps identify and process any remaining physical sensations or tension linked to the traumatic memory.

The client focuses on the target memory and the newly installed positive belief, scanning the body from head to toe for discomfort. If any residual distress is found, additional processing is done until full relief is achieved.

At Safe Space Wellness, we integrate this phase with our broader holistic wellness philosophy, encouraging clients to reconnect with their bodies through mindfulness and relaxation techniques for complete mind-body healing.

Phase 7: Closure

Every EMDR session concludes with a closure phase to ensure emotional stability. The therapist guides the client through relaxation and grounding exercises to return to a state of calm and safety, even if the reprocessing is incomplete.

Key aspects of this phase include:

Using safe-place visualizations to promote stability.
Discussing how to manage potential emotional responses between sessions.
Reinforcing coping strategies.

At Safe Space Wellness, clients benefit from continued support through post-session guidance, wellness resources, and community care to maintain emotional balance between appointments.

Phase 8: Reevaluation

The final phase, reevaluation, occurs at the beginning of each new session. The therapist and client review previous work to assess:

The persistence of positive beliefs.
Emotional stability and symptom reduction.
Whether additional targets or processing are needed.

This ongoing review ensures sustained progress and long-term healing.

At Safe Space Wellness, we adopt a continuous care model, where each session builds on the last. Our therapists track progress using both clinical metrics and client feedback to tailor future sessions for maximum effectiveness.

Multiple Perspectives on the 8 Stages of EMDR

Therapist’s Perspective

Therapists view the eight stages as a structured yet flexible framework that ensures safety, pacing, and effectiveness. Each stage provides checkpoints to monitor progress and maintain emotional regulation throughout the process.

Client’s Perspective

From the client’s viewpoint, EMDR is a journey—from exploring painful memories to achieving emotional freedom. Many clients report feeling empowered, lighter, and more in control after completing all stages.

Safe Space Wellness Perspective

At Safe Space Wellness, EMDR is more than just a therapy technique; it’s a transformative experience. Our facilities, therapy rooms, and online sessions are designed to support emotional safety, while our holistic approach integrates mindfulness, meditation, and community support to complement trauma healing.

Conclusion

The 8 stages of EMDR therapy represent a comprehensive and scientifically grounded process for transforming how the brain and body respond to trauma. Each phase plays a crucial role in guiding clients from emotional pain toward lasting resilience and peace.

At Safe Space Wellness, we are proud to support clients and therapists through every phase of EMDR. Our safe, private, and compassionate environments foster healing and growth, while our trauma-informed professionals ensure that every journey is guided with care and evidence-based expertise.

If you’re ready to begin your healing journey through EMDR therapy, visit safespacews.com to learn more or connect with our qualified therapists. Safe Space Wellness provides the support, space, and expertise you need to experience the full power of EMDR.