The 8 Phases of EMDR is a system of evidence-based psychotherapy developed to help individuals heal from the emotional distress caused by traumatic experiences. One of the key features that sets EMDR therapy apart from traditional talk therapy or counseling, is its structured, phased approach—shortly referred to as the Phases of EMDR, or the 8 Stages of EMDR.
Here we will walk you through each Phase of EMDR, explain that Phase's purpose, and highlight how each phase facilitates healing at the neurological level. Whether you're a potential client, a mental health professional, or simply curious about how EMDR works, this guide offers an in-depth, yet concise overview of the entire 8 phase EMDR process. If you have questions or would like to talk to us to learn more about how EMDR Therapy can help you, schedule a chat with one of our experienced and compassionate team members.
What Are The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy?
A Step-by-Step Guide to the 8 stages of the EMDR Therapy Process
The phases of EMDR are now widely used by trauma therapists across the globe, and endorsed by leading organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the American Psychological Association (APA). The 8 stages of EMDR aren’t just a format—they are a vital framework that ensures clients move through therapy in a safe, systematic, and effective way. Each phase builds upon the last, preparing the mind and body for deeper levels of healing while avoiding retraumatization.
Why Do The Phases of EMDR Matter?
"EMDR" is an acronym for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and is the short phrase for a system of 8 phases of therapeutic healing for trauma and other disorders. The 8 phases of EMDR were first developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Francine Shapiro, who discovered that certain types of eye movements appeared to reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts. This became the premise of her graduation thesis and over time, EMDR evolved into a structured, eight-phase protocol that uses appropriately timed bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements, tapping, or audio tones—to help individuals reprocess traumatic memories. The 8 phases of EMDR allows traumamatic experiences to be recollected and reconditioned.
Where Did The 8 Phases of EMDR Come From?
Let's explore each of EMDR's 8 Stages In Detail...
EMDR Phase 1:
- Identify targets for EMDR (specific memories, themes, or situations)
- Assess current coping mechanisms and emotional stability
- Develop a customized treatment plan
- This phase helps build trust and ensures that therapy is tailored to your unique needs.
History Taking And treatment planning
EMDR Phase 1 begins with a thorough assessment of your clinical history. Your EMDR therapist will explore current symptoms, past experiences, and any specific events that may have contributed to emotional distress.
EMDR Phase 2:
- Build trust between client and therapist
- Strengthen emotional resilience
- Establish tools for emotional regulation during and between sessions
- This ensures that when difficult material comes up, you have the resources to handle it safely.
Preparation
Before diving into trauma work, it's essential to prepare both mentally and emotionally. During EMDR Phase 2, your therapist will teach you grounding techniques and coping strategies such as deep breathing, safe place visualization, or mindfulness exercises.
EMDR Phase 3:
- Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD): How distressing the memory feels (on a scale of 0 to 10)
- Validity of Cognition (VOC): How true a positive belief feels (on a scale of 1 to 7)
- Clarify memory components
- Set benchmarks to track progres
Assessment
In EMDR Phase 3 your therapist will help you identify and activate the memory you want to reprocess. This includes pinpointing specific images, negative beliefs, physical sensations, and emotions associated with the memory.
EMDR Phase 4:
- Reduce emotional charge and body tension related to the memory
- Allow new insights and associations to emerge
- Process until the SUD level is 0 or close to it
desensitization
EMDR Phase 4 is where the core of EMDR Therapy takes place. Using bilateral stimulation (BLS), such as guided eye movements, your therapist helps you process the targeted memory. Your brain begins to reprocess the event, shifting the way it is stored and experienced.
EMDR Phase 5:
- Reinforce new, adaptive beliefs
- Increase the VOC score to 6 or 7 (high believability)
By anchoring these positive beliefs, the therapy ensures the emotional and cognitive shifts are lasting.
installation
EMDR Phase 5 happens once distress has been reduced, Now it is time to strengthen a positive belief to replace the negative one associated with the trauma. For example, “I am powerless” might be replaced with “I am in control now.”
EMDR Phase 6:
- Detect and process residual somatic responses
- Ensure that the trauma has been fully resolved on a physical level
body scan
EMDR Phase 6 recognizes that trauma is stored not just in the mind but also in the body. In this phase, the therapist will guide you through a body scan to identify any lingering physical tension or discomfort.
EMDR Phase 7:
- Reestablish emotional balance
- Reinforce relaxation strategies
- Provide support for between-session stability
closure
Whether or not a memory has been fully processed in one session, closure is critical. Your therapist will help you return to a state of equilibrium and review self-soothing techniques.
EMDR Phase 8:
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the previous session
- Identify any new material that may have surfaced
- Decide on the next target for reprocessing
body scan
Phase 8 of EMDR is the final phase and begins at the start of your next therapy session. Your therapist will review the previously targeted memory and explore any new thoughts, feelings, or experiences that have emerged since your last visit.
Attend your session. Do not worry about talking points. We will guide the session to understand your experience and then make a plan for treatment.
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Complete the paperwork online through our private and secure portal.
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Speak to our team who will match you with a therapist best suited to fit your needs. Lean more about our team of EMDR Therapists here.
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How Do I Start Working With EMDR 8 Phases Therapy?
In general, most health insurance companies do cover EMDR therapy when it is provided by a licensed mental health professional—such as a psychologist, licensed professional counselor (LPC), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), or marriage and family therapist (LMFT)—and when it is deemed medically necessary. Because EMDR is a recognized, evidence-based treatment for conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related disorders, many plans will reimburse for sessions if these diagnoses are present. However, coverage can vary significantly based on your state, network participation, and the details of your behavioral health benefits.
It’s important to contact your insurance provider directly to ask if EMDR is covered under your plan, what documentation is required (such as a diagnosis or treatment plan), and whether preauthorization is necessary. If your therapist is out-of-network, you may still be eligible for partial reimbursement through a superbill. At our practice, we’re happy to provide the necessary paperwork to help you navigate insurance claims and maximize your benefits. In the case that your insurance will not cover therapy costs, you can learn about our Private Pay fees here.
Is EMDR Therapy Covered By Insurance?
The EMDR 8 stages are a carefully structured framework that ensures trauma healing is done safely, effectively, and holistically. What makes EMDR unique is that it allows clients to experience real change without needing to relive traumatic events in detail. Instead, the brain is guided to do what it naturally wants to do—heal.
At LK Institute, our therapists are all EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Psychotherapists trained in this full EMDR 8-stage protocol. With locations in Central Phoenix and Flagstaff, as well as Virtual, we’re proud to offer compassionate, expert EMDR therapy throughout Arizona. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey toward healing.
Learning More About EMDR 8 Stages
LK Institute: Virtual, Online, and locations in Phoenix & Flagstaff, AZ
If you're interested in learning how to become an EMDR therapist and gain a deep understanding of the 8-phase protocol, we invite you to explore our EMDR Basic Training courses listed below. These comprehensive, EMDRIA-approved trainings are designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and supervised experience needed to confidently apply EMDR therapy in your clinical practice. Join us and take the first step toward becoming a trauma-informed EMDR practitioner.
Interested In Learning How To Become A Certified EMDR Therapist?
We offer training and certification in the 8 phases of EMDR therapy
Payment plans available! As low as $131/month
$1,565
Learn the 8 Phases of EMDR in 2 Weekend In-Person or By Virtual Training
(8am-5:00pm AZ time)
EMDR Basic Training
September 5-7, 2025 & October 17-19, 2025
Payment plans available! As low as $131/month
$1,565
Learn the 8 Phases of EMDR inside of a 5-day In-Person or Virtual Training
(8am-5:00pm AZ time)
EMDR Basic Training
November 3-7, 2025
"When I came to LK Institute I was having panic attacks nearly every day and did not realize it, but was suffering with OCD-related intrusive thoughts. I felt like I was going crazy and no one could help me. I attended therapy before that taught me skills to use when I was having panic attacks-which helped-but did not actually make the panic attacks stop. I did not want to become dependent on medication. I worked with the team at LK Institute and stopped having panic attacks in just a few months…never to return. EMDR saved my life and honestly, gave me a life I did not know was possible. I am forever grateful. "
"EMDR saved my life and honestly, gave me a life I did not know was possible"
My therapist referred me to LK Institute after I had been seeing her for a year and made no progress. I was unable to get out of bed, was on disability no longer working, and was in the deepest pit of depression that I never imagined would be my life. I worked with Lauren and she utilized EMDR often. I am a walking miracle. When my therapy ended with her I was able to return to the workforce and found a job I love. I have friends, cook, clean, play with my grandkids and truly got my life back. I believe that I would have been dead by now if it had not been for my therapist and her approach to treating me.
"I am a walking miracle"
I had developed an eating disorder in what seemed like overnight. I was incredibly anxious, afraid to eat and was overall riddled with emotional torment. My mom brought me to LK Institute and I immediately felt that my therapist was hearing me. She did not see me as just a case to fit in the textbook. She was an eating disorder expert and amazingly identified what was actually going on underneath the eating disorder, which had nothing to do with food. She used EMDR to treat the real problem and I was in remission in a matter of months. My experience did not match what I had read online that indicated Eating Disorder recovery was a lifelong treatment and ailment where true relief was not possible. I no longer need the eating disorder, and I love myself in a way I did not know was an option.
"My therapist was hearing me. She did not see me as just a case to fit in the textbook."
"You saved my life Lauren, you gave me the tools to succeed and I am forever grateful. I am living proof that your practices work. We both know I would've been in jail or a junkie if it weren't for you. With the tools that you and Ashley have given me - I want to help others."
"I would've been in jail or a junkie if it weren't for you [LK Institute]"
"The best thing that ever happened to me was coming to LK Institute. I had been in therapy for two years and seemed to be getting worse. My therapist recognized that the treatment I had been previously engaging in at a different practice was possibly making me worse. She used a totally different approach and I started improving relatively quickly. At the six month mark, it was clear to us both that I no longer needed therapy. I was unable to leave my house for years because of panic attacks, OCD and agoraphobia. Two months after treatment was over, I went on a cross country road trip-something I never dreamed I would be able to do again.
" I was unable to leave my house for years... Two months after treatment was over, I went on a cross country road trip"
When I came to LK Institute I hated myself. I thought I was worthless and had so much shame from the decisions I had made. EMDR changed me. I am confident and am able to stop sabotaging myself. I am at peace for the first time.
"I am at peace for the first time"
"I did not know that I had a dissociative disorder and so many therapists had been unable to help me. They told me I was, “too much” or must not want to get better. I could not explain my pain or the way I experienced my emotions take over and turn me into someone I wasn’t. The team at LK Institute was finally able to identify the real issue and then treat it. I never knew that people experienced calm inside, and now I do. I no longer experience take-overs and I am at rest inside. You saved my life. "
"So many therapists had been unable to help me...I no longer experience take-overs and I am at rest inside. [LK Institute] saved my life."
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