Understanding Phase One of EMDR: Laying the Groundwork for Healing

As a humanistic therapist, I often work with clients who are seeking ways to process past trauma and emotional pain. Over the years, one therapeutic approach I’ve come to rely on for its effectiveness in helping clients heal is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR offers a structured, compassionate way to address trauma by integrating both the mind and body in the healing process.

Today I’m going to introduce EMDR’s Phase One: History and Treatment Planning. This phase is all about laying the groundwork for healing. Without a solid foundation, the subsequent phases of EMDR can’t reach their full potential. So, let’s dive into what happens during Phase One and why it’s so important.

Phase One: A Collaborative Beginning

Phase One of EMDR is where we begin our journey together. As a therapist, my role in this phase is to build a strong, trusting relationship with the client and create a safe, supportive environment. This is crucial because EMDR involves processing distressing memories, and having a sense of safety and trust is vital for the client’s emotional regulation throughout the process. In fact, research suggests that the therapeutic relationship itself is one of the most powerful predictors of treatment success (Norcross, 2011).

The goal during Phase One is not to jump straight into reprocessing traumatic memories but to take the time to assess the client’s history and determine the best path forward. Together, we begin by gathering information about the client's past and present, including both positive and negative experiences. This is a collaborative process, where the client is in charge of what they feel ready to share and process.

History Taking: Understanding the Full Picture

The first part of Phase One involves a detailed history-taking. This isn’t just about listing traumatic events; it’s about understanding the client's broader life context. I ask questions about early relationships, attachments, and significant life events. I also explore the client’s coping mechanisms, strengths, and resources—things that will support them during the more challenging phases of EMDR.

While we may address past traumas or current struggles, Phase One also involves identifying a client’s adaptive coping strategies. From a humanistic perspective, I emphasize the client’s inherent ability to heal and grow. I try to help them recognize that they already have strengths within them, even if they may not feel that way at the moment. This empowerment can be incredibly transformative.

We also talk about the presenting issues—what brings the client into therapy right now. This could be anxiety, depression, PTSD, or issues stemming from relational dynamics. By identifying current symptoms, I can better understand how past events are influencing the client's emotional and mental health today. Together, we create a treatment plan that aligns with the client's goals and readiness to engage in the EMDR process.

Establishing a Resource Toolkit

As we continue through Phase One, one of the most essential tasks is to establish what’s called a “resource toolkit.” This is a set of coping strategies and internal resources that will help the client maintain emotional balance throughout the process. This might include relaxation techniques, visualization exercises, or grounding techniques—tools that the client can use to self-soothe during or after sessions.

The resource toolkit is particularly important because, during the later phases of EMDR, the client may be asked to revisit distressing memories. The toolkit provides safety anchors, which allow the client to stay grounded and regulated during these times. For example, in our humanistic work, I often incorporate mindfulness and self-compassion practices, which align with the goal of fostering a sense of self-worth and internal safety.

Setting Goals and Identifying Target Memories

Once we’ve established a foundation of safety, history, and resources, we start to explore potential target memories—specific memories or events the client feels are contributing to their distress. These are the memories that will later be processed in Phases 3 through 8 of EMDR. In Phase One, we don’t go into the details of the trauma yet; instead, we identify which memories are most relevant for treatment, and I help the client begin to think about what they want to achieve in therapy.

It’s important to note that, from a humanistic perspective, EMDR isn’t just about reprocessing memories; it’s about helping the client move toward a healthier and more integrated sense of self. The aim isn’t simply to "erase" the memory, but to shift the emotional charge around it and allow the client to experience those memories with less distress and more self-compassion. This transformation fosters healing not only from trauma but also from negative beliefs the client may have formed about themselves as a result of those experiences.

The Importance of Stabilization

Finally, Phase One is also about ensuring that the client feels emotionally stable and capable of handling the deeper work of EMDR. EMDR can stir up difficult emotions, so it's essential that the client feels supported and empowered before diving into the reprocessing phases. Sometimes, if a client has significant dissociation or emotional dysregulation, we may spend extra time stabilizing before proceeding.

In many cases, it may take several sessions to fully complete Phase One. However, that time is never wasted—it's an investment in ensuring that when we do begin processing memories, the client is as equipped as possible to handle the emotional work ahead.

In Conclusion

Phase One of EMDR is foundational to the entire therapeutic process. It’s about understanding the client’s history, establishing safety, and preparing the emotional and psychological resources needed for deeper healing. As a humanistic therapist, I focus on creating an empathetic, client-centered space that fosters collaboration and trust, empowering the client to embark on their journey toward healing with confidence.

EMDR is a powerful, evidence-based approach that has helped countless individuals reclaim their lives from the grip of trauma. Phase One is the first step in that process—building a solid foundation of safety, trust, and preparedness, which paves the way for profound transformation.

Interested in finding out how EMDR can help? Get in touch!

Want to find out more about EMDR?

Want to find out what’s next? Check out Phase 2!

References:

• Shapiro, F. (2017). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: An Integrated Approach to Treatment. Guilford Press.

• Norcross, J. C. (2011). The Therapeutic Relationship in Psychotherapy Practice. American Psychological Association.