The first phase of EMDR—history taking and preparation.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy is a powerful tool for healing trauma. But how does it start?
Before the reprocessing phase, we begin with history-taking. This phase is crucial to set the foundation for your therapeutic journey. Here, the therapist listens. They gather your story and begin mapping out the roots of your trauma.
Why History Matters
Understanding your personal history is key. Trauma doesn’t exist in isolation. It links to life events, experiences, and sometimes subtle moments. In the history-taking phase, your therapist works with you to uncover these links.
This helps identify which memories to target during the reprocessing phase.
What to Expect During History Taking
Personal Story: You’ll share your experiences, focusing on those that have impacted you the most.
Identifying Core Beliefs: Together with your therapist, you’ll explore the negative beliefs tied to these memories, like "I'm not good enough" or "I’m in danger."
Setting Goals: Your therapist helps set clear goals for what you’d like to achieve by the end of therapy. These might include reducing anxiety, overcoming grief, or improving self-esteem.
The Impact on Anxiety, PTSD, and More
The history-taking phase benefits several conditions:
Anxiety: Helps identify triggers and patterns linked to anxious thoughts.
PTSD: Pinpoints specific trauma memories that lead to distress.
Depression: Maps out past experiences that may contribute to depressive beliefs.
This phase is the cornerstone of successful EMDR therapy. Without it, we can’t fully understand your experiences or where healing is needed most.
Key Benefits of History Taking in EMDR
The benefits of this initial phase extend beyond mere information gathering:
Clarity: Understanding your story allows for focused, effective treatment.
Safety: By sharing, you start building trust with your therapist, an essential part of the therapeutic process.
Goal Setting: Defining what healing looks like for you creates a clear path for success.
Is EMDR Right for You?
If you struggle with anxiety, PTSD, OCD, depression, or trauma, history taking helps determine if EMDR is a good fit. It's an important starting point in addressing the underlying causes of your emotional distress.
At Burlington Clinic, we offer both online and in-clinic EMDR sessions to suit your needs. Whether you choose to attend in person or via our secure online platform, you can be assured of expert care every step of the way.
Take the First Step Towards Healing Today
Want to learn more about EMDR therapy or book a session? Contact Burlington Clinic to discuss how our tailored therapy options can support your healing journey.