EMDR preparation and pacing guide
How pacing and preparation can shape EMDR
It is understandable to be interested in EMDR while also feeling unsure about discussing painful experiences too quickly.
A trauma-informed approach can include discussion of readiness, consent and pace before memory processing. The details depend on the person and the therapy plan.
Preparation
Early sessions may include understanding current concerns, discussing coping strategies and deciding what feels manageable.
Choice
You can ask questions, slow down, pause or spend more time preparing.
Review
The timing and pace of therapy can be revisited as your circumstances, goals and responses change.
Preparation can come before memory processing
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a trauma-focused psychological therapy used in the treatment of PTSD.[1]
During EMDR, a person may bring parts of a trauma memory to mind while also paying attention to bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping or alternating sounds.[1]
Before this work begins, a psychologist and client can discuss current concerns, consent, coping strategies and whether the timing feels appropriate.
How can pacing be reviewed?
Some psychologists use an early preparation phase. How long it lasts, and whether EMDR is appropriate, depends on the person’s presentation, goals and circumstances.[2]
Understand and prepare
Early sessions may focus on assessment, current patterns and strategies that help the person feel more settled.
Consider the next step
The psychologist and client can revisit whether the timing and pace feel appropriate.
Review together
Therapy can include noticing how the work is landing and deciding what needs attention next.
What do safety and choice look like in EMDR?
Experiences of trauma can affect a person’s sense of safety, choice or control. It can be useful to discuss what helps therapy feel manageable.
You can discuss questions, pauses and pacing preferences with your psychologist. Some EMDR approaches do not require a detailed verbal retelling of every aspect of a memory. Ask your psychologist what their approach involves.
The guide to trauma-informed therapy explains how safety, collaboration and context can shape therapy more broadly.
When the pace needs adjusting
You and your psychologist can discuss the pace at the beginning and review it as therapy unfolds.
Readiness does not mean feeling no anxiety. There is no single readiness checklist that suits everyone.
There is room to revisit the plan
Sessions may move between preparation, processing and review. Returning to grounding or preparation can be a reasonable response to what is happening at the time.
Looking for practical appointment information?
For availability, locations, telehealth and a brief administrative enquiry, visit the EMDR therapy appointments and service information in Melbourne.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I have to talk about every detail of my trauma in EMDR?
Some EMDR approaches do not require a detailed verbal retelling of every aspect of a memory. Ask your psychologist what their approach involves and discuss the level of detail together.
What if EMDR feels too intense?
You can tell your psychologist, ask to pause or slow down, and return to grounding or preparation. The pace and focus of therapy can be reviewed together.
What happens before trauma processing starts?
Before trauma processing starts, therapy may focus on assessment, understanding trauma responses, grounding strategies and readiness.
Do I need to feel completely calm before EMDR?
No. Readiness does not mean feeling no anxiety. It means there is enough stability, support and shared understanding to approach the work carefully.
References
- National Center for PTSD. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD. View the resource.
- Phoenix Australia. Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Complex PTSD. View the guidelines.