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EMDR Therapy in Scarsdale: What to Expect in Your First Sessions
Maybe you've read about EMDR online.
Maybe a friend said it helped them.
Maybe you're curious, but nervous about what it will actually feel like.
That's completely understandable. It is hard to walk into something new when you don't know what to expect.
If you're considering EMDR therapy in Scarsdale, this guide walks you through what typically happens in your first sessions, so you can begin with more clarity and less worry.
What Happens in Your First Sessions of EMDR Therapy in Scarsdale?
In your first sessions of EMDR therapy in Scarsdale, you usually won't jump straight into painful memories. Early sessions focus on getting to know you, understanding your history and goals, and building skills that help you feel grounded. Memory processing begins only once you and your therapist agree you're ready.
Key Takeaways
EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol, and the first phases are about safety and preparation.
You stay in control throughout, and you can pause at any time.
The pace is guided by your readiness, not a fixed timeline.
The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy is structured in eight phases:
History taking: Your therapist learns about your background, symptoms, and goals.
Preparation: You learn how EMDR works and practice calming and grounding skills.
Assessment: Together, you identify a target memory and the beliefs and body sensations connected to it.
Desensitization: You focus on the memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping.
Installation: You strengthen a more helpful belief about yourself.
Body scan: You notice any remaining tension or sensations in your body.
Closure: Each session ends with tools to help you feel settled.
Reevaluation: At the next session, you review progress and decide what to work on next.
What Your First Sessions Usually Look Like
Session 1 of EMDR Therapy in Scarsdale: Getting to Know You
Your first EMDR therapy session in Scarsdale often feels much like a first session of talk therapy. Your therapist asks about what brought you in, your history, current stressors, and what you hope will change. You can share at your own pace.
Sessions 2 to 3: Building Your Toolkit
Before processing difficult memories, you'll practice resourcing skills, such as:
A calm or safe place visualization
Grounding through your senses
Breathing and body-based calming exercises
A "container" exercise to set distressing material aside between sessions
These tools matter. They help you stay within a tolerable range of emotion during processing.
When Processing Begins
Once you feel stable and prepared, you'll begin working with a target memory. Your therapist guides you through sets of bilateral stimulation and checks in frequently. You stay aware of the present moment the whole time, and you can stop whenever you need to.
How to Prepare for EMDR
Plan something gentle after your session when possible
Notice and jot down any dreams, memories, or emotions that come up between sessions
Practice your grounding skills, even when you feel fine
Tell your therapist what feels helpful and what doesn't
If you already participate in EMDR, the EMDR Therapy Progress Journal below offers a structured way to track this between sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to talk about every detail of my trauma?
No. One of the reasons many people choose EMDR is that it does not require describing every detail of a painful memory out loud.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
It varies. Some people work on a single event, while others are addressing years of experiences. Your therapist will talk with you about a plan and revisit it as you go.
Is EMDR therapy in Scarsdale available in person and online?
Yes. Peaceful Living offers EMDR in person at our Scarsdale office and through virtual therapy for eligible clients in states where our clinicians are licensed.
Will I feel worse before I feel better?
Some people feel tired or emotional after early processing sessions. That's one reason preparation and closure are built into every session, and why your therapist will check in on how you're doing between sessions.
Meet Dana Carretta-Stein
Dana Carretta-Stein, LMHC, is the CEO of Peaceful Living Mental Health Counseling in Scarsdale, NY, and the host of The Truth About Healing podcast.
She holds an M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from Pace University, is licensed as an LMHC in New York and Florida and as an LPC in Connecticut, and is an EMDRIA Certified therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant. Her work focuses on trauma, anxiety, and parenting, including PTSD and complex PTSD, panic attacks, chronic stress, and EMDR therapy.
Why Choose Peaceful Living Mental Health Counseling?
Peaceful Living Mental Health Counseling supports adults, teens, children, and families experiencing trauma, anxiety, panic, grief, and stress that continue to affect daily life.
We offer:
EMDR therapy with EMDRIA-trained clinicians
Trauma-informed therapy
Anxiety and panic treatment
Therapy for PTSD and complex PTSD
Therapy for first responders
In-person therapy in Scarsdale and throughout Westchester County
Virtual therapy throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Colorado, and Florida
We provide in-person therapy at our office at 188 Summerfield Street in Scarsdale and throughout Westchester County, with virtual therapy options for eligible clients in states where our clinicians are licensed.
You don't have to have everything figured out before your first session.
The EMDR Therapy Progress Journal
For individuals already participating in EMDR therapy, the EMDR Therapy Progress Journal provides a private, structured way to reflect on emotions, triggers, body responses, and patterns between therapy sessions.
The journal is designed to complement EMDR therapy, not replace professional mental health care.
Relevant Resources & Tools
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or mental health advice. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 in the U.S. or your local emergency number.
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