EMDR Part 3: Checking in with the Present & Future
After finishing the work on a past memory—when it is no longer distressing, the positive belief feels absolutely true, and the body is clear of uncomfortable physical sensations—the focus shifts to the present and future. It’s important to ensure that current triggers have diminished as a result of reprocessing the target memory.
If present experiences are still feeling activated, they are addressed just as the past memory was. Using the same process, we set up the current issue with its image, beliefs, present emotions, distress, and physical sensations, then utilize bilateral stimulation until it is resolved. For some clients, this step isn’t necessary, but for others, it’s crucial to fully reduce activation in the present.
Once the present is addressed, the attention turns to the future. Future work builds on the changes created during memory reprocessing and helps clients envision how they might respond differently in upcoming situations where they previously reacted based on maladaptive information.
A Real-Life Example
After reprocessing a childhood memory, a client installs the positive belief, I am worthy. She knows she needs to confront her partner about leaving dishes in the sink. Previously, she would lash out whenever she came home to find dirty dishes.
Having worked through the past-present connection that influenced her reactions, she now completes a future scenario. She envisions responding calmly and communicating her needs effectively. While imagining this future situation, she pairs it with her positive belief of worthiness and engages in slow bilateral movements. (Slow movements are used because they do not activate memory networks in the same way fast bilateral movements do.)
After running through this scenario, she reports that the belief feels absolutely true. She then moves on to a slightly more challenging scenario, preparing herself for a variety of outcomes.
How Long Does EMDR Take?
Once the future scenarios are complete, that round of EMDR is finished. This process can take anywhere from one session to several, depending on the memory being reprocessed, any blocking beliefs, and the activation of present issues connected to the memory network.
How Quickly Can Clients Expect Results?
Clients often begin to feel better even after the first session if the memory is fully reprocessed, even without completing future work. Changes in behavior can happen quickly too, and future sessions will continue to strengthen those positive changes using slow bilateral movements.