EMDR Part 2: What Reprocessing the Past Looks Like

In the last blog post, we explored why EMDR works. Now, let’s dive into what the EMDR process actually looks like.

Setting the Stage Before Reprocessing

Before any actual reprocessing begins, we take time to identify what the client wants to look different in their life. This step resembles a talk therapy session, during which we explore troubling present-day experiences and what the client hopes to achieve.

This part of the process uses the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which connects past memories to current challenges. Together, we map out which memories influence the present issue and decide which memory to reprocess first.

Typically, the first memory chosen is either:

• The earliest memory (as it often has the greatest impact on other memories in the network).

• The most distressing or the most recent memory, depending on the situation.

What Happens During a Reprocessing Session

Once a memory is selected, we dedicate the session to “setting up” and reprocessing that memory. Here’s how the setup works:

• What is the worst part of the memory now? This establishes the connection between current distress and the past memory, targeting the heart of the issue.

• What image represents this worst part for you? This gives us a concrete starting point and reveals what is stored maladaptively in the brain. Sometimes, a sound, smell, or taste may replace the image if it feels more relevant.

• What negative belief comes to mind as you think about this image? Stated in the present tense, this belief reflects how the memory affects current feelings or behaviors. Common categories of negative beliefs include:

• Responsibility/defectiveness: “I am worthless,” “I am not good enough.”

• Safety/vulnerability: “I am unsafe.” “I cannot trust anyone.”

• Power/choices: “I am powerless,” “I can’t trust myself.”

• What positive belief do you want to feel about yourself when reprocessing is complete? This becomes the goal of the session, usually the opposite of the negative belief.

• How true does the positive belief feel on a scale of 1–7? This helps us track progress. Most clients rate the positive belief as very low before reprocessing begins.

• What emotions come up as you think about the image and negative belief? This connects the memory to current emotional responses.

• How distressing does it feel on a scale of 0–10? This gives a measurable way to track reductions in distress.

• Where do you feel this distress in your body? Trauma is often stored in the body, so identifying physical sensations deepens the connection between past and present.

The Reprocessing Phase

Reprocessing begins with the client bringing to mind the chosen image, negative belief, associated emotions, and physical sensations. Using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or taps), the client processes the memory in silence.

After each set of movements, I ask the client what they notice. This might include changes in the image, shifts in emotions or thoughts, physical sensations, or even other related memories coming to mind.

The client continues reprocessing until they stop reporting changes. At this point, we return to the original memory to assess what remains.

By the end of reprocessing, the client often gains a more adult perspective (for childhood memories) or a calmer outlook (for memories from adulthood). The distress level should ideally be 0 or close to it. However, feeling “better” doesn’t mean erasing all emotions related to the memory—clients may still feel sadness or anger, but at an appropriate level, with the body remaining calm.

Installing the Positive Belief

Once reprocessing is complete, we install the positive belief identified earlier. This involves pairing the memory with the belief and completing another set of bilateral movements to strengthen the connection.

After this, the client assesses how true the positive belief feels on a scale of 1–7. When the belief feels absolutely true and the body is calm, the session is complete.

If there is lingering tension or discomfort, we focus on the physical sensations with additional bilateral movements until the body feels fully at ease.

What’s Next?

While this completes the work on the past memory, EMDR is not finished until we address how the present and future are connected to the memory. Depending on time, this can happen in the same session or during the following one.

In the next blog post, we’ll explore how EMDR addresses present triggers and prepares clients for future situations.