Our Process
Healing happens in layers — and EMDR provides the structure to move through it gently and effectively.
The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy follows a research-backed, eight-phase process that helps the nervous system safely reprocess traumatic or overwhelming experiences. At Heart Centered EMDR in Kelowna, we guide this journey with compassion, pacing, and attunement — always honoring what your system is ready for.
While the process generally follows a sequence, it’s not always linear. We may revisit certain phases or spend more time where needed. Healing is not about rushing — it’s about feeling safe enough to move forward.
Phase 1: History & Treatment Planning
We begin by getting to know you — your story, your goals, and what brings you to therapy. This phase includes exploring what may be contributing to your current distress and identifying possible target areas for EMDR. Together, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan that respects your pace and your needs.
Phase 2: Preparation
This is where we lay the foundation for safe, grounded work. You'll learn resourcing techniques to help you regulate emotions, calm your nervous system, and stay connected to the present moment. We’ll also talk more about what to expect in EMDR so you feel informed and supported every step of the way. Building trust and safety in the therapeutic relationship is key in this phase.
Phase 3: Assessment
Now we gently identify specific memories, thoughts, emotions, and body sensations that are related to the issue you want to work on. These targets often include negative beliefs or stuck emotional patterns that are rooted in past experiences. You’ll never be pushed to go deeper than you’re ready — this step is about clarity and collaboration.
Phases 4–6: Desensitization, Installation & Body Scan
This is the active processing stage of EMDR. While holding a target memory in mind, you’ll engage in bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements or tapping), which helps the brain begin reprocessing the experience. Over time, the distress decreases, new insights may arise, and more adaptive beliefs begin to take root. We’ll also check in with your body to notice any remaining tension or activation and support its release.
Phase 7: Closure
Each session ends with grounding and closure — no matter where we are in the process. This helps you return to the present moment feeling regulated and safe. You might be invited to journal, track sensations between sessions, or use the calming tools you learned in earlier phases. The goal here is integration and self-care.
Phase 8: Reevaluation
At the start of each session, we check in on how you’ve been feeling and what’s shifted since our last meeting. This helps us evaluate the effectiveness of our work, decide whether a memory has been fully processed, and determine the next steps in your healing journey.
