What to Expect in an EMDR Therapy Session in New Jersey: A First-Timer’s Guide
- Linda Di Filippo
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
What to Expect in an EMDR Therapy Session in New Jersey: A First-Timer’s Guide
So, you've heard of EMDR therapy—and you’re curious. But you’re also wondering… "what actually happens in a session?"
If you’re feeling nervous or unsure, that’s completely normal. EMDR looks different from traditional talk therapy, and understanding what to expect can help you feel more confident and prepared.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to your first few EMDR sessions, and what the process looks like from start to finish.
Step 1: Intake & Assessment
Before anything else, we’ll talk about:
- What brings you to therapy
- Your current symptoms and stressors
- Your history, strengths, and goals
We’ll also decide **together** if EMDR is the right fit, and whether any preparation is needed before beginning the reprocessing phase.
Step 2: Preparation & Safety Building
Before we dive into deeper trauma work, we’ll focus on:
- Building trust and emotional safety
- Teaching you grounding, resourcing, and regulation techniques
- Identifying **positive images or memories** you can use when you need a break
This phase is critical. It makes sure your nervous system is ready for the work ahead.
Step 3: Target Identification
Next, we identify the “targets” for EMDR—these could be:
- Specific memories
- Current triggers
- Disturbing thoughts or body sensations
- Negative beliefs (like “I’m not safe” or “I’m not enough”)
You won’t have to go into full detail about each event—just enough for your brain to access the memory network.
Step 4: Reprocessing Phase
Here’s where EMDR looks different from talk therapy.
While focusing briefly on a target memory, your therapist will guide you through **bilateral stimulation** (eye movements, tapping, or sounds). This helps your brain “digest” the memory in a new way.
You may notice:
- Thoughts or images flashing in your mind
- Emotions shifting
- Sensations in your body
- A sense of release, calm, or even unexpected insight
You’re always in control—you can pause or stop at any time.
Step 5: Installation & Integration
Once the distress is reduced, we’ll help strengthen a **positive belief** (like “I am safe now” or “I did the best I could”).
You’ll also learn how to apply these new beliefs in your daily life, and continue building emotional resilience moving forward.
Final Thoughts
EMDR can feel unfamiliar at first—but for many people, it becomes one of the most empowering and transformative parts of their healing journey.
You don’t have to relive the pain to release it. You don’t have to stay stuck
If you're ready to try a new approach to healing:
👉 Book an Intro EMDR Session
👉 Send a Question or Email, 📞 Call 908-323-1003🌐 Visit www.buddtherapy.com
👉 Learn More About EMDR here: https://www.buddtherapy.com/resources
Resources:
EMDR International Association
EMDR Institute
EMDR Research Foundation – Research Lists
About the author: Linda Di Filippo is a licensed trauma therapist in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, who works collaboratively with clients to help them get unstuck and uncover the root causes of their emotional challenges. Specializing in holistic methods and EMDR therapy, Linda supports individuals on their journey toward transformational healing and lasting emotional well-being.
What to Expect in an EMDR Therapy Session in New Jersey: A First-Timer’s Guide
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