What is Phase 2 of EMDR?

While the primary goal of EMDR is to help clients process and heal from their traumatic memories, phase 2 focuses on helping the client prepare for the later phases when the processing of the memory takes place. Just like you might spend time intentionally stretching and warming up your muscles and ligaments before you begin a workout in order to prevent injury, phase 2 is about intentionally preparing yourself for the processing you will undergo in phases 3-8.

This phase is where clients learn important coping strategies to help them regulate their emotions in order to create a sense of safety and stability before they begin to process their traumatic experience. These coping skills can be used at various times throughout the 8 phases of EMDR to help the client return to stability when they are triggered, both in and out of session.

Examples of stabilization techniques:

● Breathing exercises to lower distress

● Guided visualizations of safe and calming places

● Grounding exercises to build awareness of your six senses

● Journaling/reflection

● Tapping exercises

● Identifying and connecting to safe and protective attachment figures, imaginary or real

● Flash technique, which is a gentle exposure therapy that reduces the intensity of the traumatic memory, making it easier to process the memory in further phases.

How Phase 2 Sets the Stage for Processing

By practicing these exercises, clients learn to feel calm during the safe and controlled setting of a therapy session. With consistent practice in between sessions, clients can access that calm during times of stress, as well, which is a key resource that one needs to process traumatic memories safely.

There is no rushing in phase 2, as we intentionally take our time in getting you ready to do the next phases. A trusting therapeutic relationship needs to be fostered between the EMDR therapist and the client, and that takes time. A client needs to feel supported and taken care of, and phase 2 is an important time to build that trust. The goal of phase 2 is for the client to feel ready and empowered enough to move forward with EMDR processing, knowing they have the tools to self-regulate their emotions. By investing time in developing and practicing coping skills in phase 2, we are preparing clients to have a more successful healing process in subsequent phases of EMDR.

These skills can be practiced outside of therapy, as well. Clients can use them after an argument to cool down, before a big presentation at work, before an important interview, or to relax before bed. These are skills that can last a lifetime. In summary, phase 2 is not just an introductory step in your EMDR journey, it is a set of tools that you can use to foster healing in all parts of your life.

If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR, please feel free to contact me. Together, we can discuss how EMDR Therapy can support your healing journey.