Phase 2 of EMDR Therapy: Building a Foundation for Healing and Safety

Phase 2 of EMDR Therapy,  known as the "Preparation Phase," is a crucial step in setting the stage for effective trauma processing and long-term healing. In this phase, the therapist and client work together to develop trust and a sense of safety, both essential for addressing deep-rooted traumatic memories. If you’re starting your journey in trauma therapy or have experienced childhood trauma, this phase is a time to learn and implement coping skills (that actually work), foster a safe therapeutic relationship, and ensure a strong foundation for the EMDR process. This phase typically occurs alongside phase 1. You can check out more information about phase 1 of EMDR, here. 

What Happens in Phase 2 of EMDR Therapy?

During the preparation phase, your therapist gently guides you through various coping techniques and grounding exercises that help you feel centered and emotionally safe. These skills are important because they provide the tools to manage intense emotions and discomfort that might arise in the following phases of EMDR. This phase is not about confronting painful memories and more about empowering you with ways to cope with any challenging thoughts or feelings that might surface during treatment AND after sessions, in your everyday life. 

The Preparation Phase also helps you build a sense of control and agency over your healing journey. Trauma can often leave people feeling powerless, as though life’s challenges are beyond their control. In this phase, we’ll work together to empower you with tools that help you feel anchored and self-assured. These grounding and coping skills are meant not only to support you through the EMDR process but also to enhance your everyday resilience. By equipping you with practical, accessible strategies, you can feel more prepared to face triggers, stressors, or difficult emotions whenever they arise. The preparation we do here is an investment in your long-term healing, helping you reclaim a sense of strength and self-trust as you embark on your journey of trauma recovery.

Key Elements of Phase 2 of EMDR Therapy

1. Developing Trust and Safety

The relationship between client and therapist is essential to the effectiveness of EMDR therapy (& of course therapy in general), especially for those healing from trauma or childhood trauma. As we build rapport and trust, I focus on creating a space where you feel fully accepted and validated, helping to ease any anxieties or reservations about the therapeutic process.I will meet you where you are at and go at a pace that feels best for you. The therapeutic relationship is everything. 

2. Introducing Grounding Techniques

Grounding exercises help anchor you in the present moment, which is especially important when processing past traumas. I may introduce you to techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualization exercises. These techniques give you practical ways to regulate whenever strong emotions arise, inside or outside of therapy. Some techniques won’t fit for you, and that’s okay. There’s plenty of time and space here to explore what options are best and effective for you. 

3. Safe Place Exercise

One of the hallmark exercises in Phase 2 is creating a “safe place” in your mind—a mental sanctuary that you can access whenever you need emotional relief or a sense of peace. For many clients, this safe place provides a consistent refuge during EMDR and becomes a resource they can use long after therapy ends. We’ll work together to personalize this place so that it feels calming and fully secure for you. Although this is a common exercise in EMDR therapy (during the preparation phase), it may not fit for you and we will explore the many other coping skill opportunities that will work!  

4. Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) Introduction

While processing traumatic memories with BLS (bilateral stimulation- like eye movements or taps) will come later, I will introduce this technique in this phase. This practice helps you become familiar with the sensation, so it feels natural and supportive rather than unfamiliar when we begin deeper work. 

5. Practicing Coping Skills

As we build the skills learned in this phase, we’ll practice using them to manage current-day stressors. These exercises reinforce a sense of empowerment, showing that you can effectively handle distress, even before processing any traumatic memories. Building these skills now can make the journey through EMDR more manageable and transformative. These skills will be useful in sessions and outside sessions. 

Why Is the Preparation Phase Important in Trauma Therapy?

For individuals who have experienced trauma, establishing safety and trust is vital. Phase 2 is all about equipping you with tools for resilience and grounding before diving deeper. This part of EMDR is particularly important for those healing from childhood trauma, where early experiences may have shaped deep-seated beliefs and coping patterns. By taking time to prepare, you’re building a foundation that helps EMDR therapy be as effective and healing as possible. There is no time limit or constraint for this phase. It may take one session or multiple- wherever you’re at is okay and we will be in this phase as long as you need.

EMDR Therapy with Brea Giancaterino in Denver, Colorado

At Therapy with Brea, I emphasize a client-centered approach that prioritizes your comfort and safety at every step. I understand that each person’s experience with trauma is unique, so I tailor EMDR therapy to meet your individual needs. With a nonjudgmental, empathetic approach, I go at your pace to ensure that you feel understood and supported as we work together on your healing journey. The therapeutic relationship is the most important part of the process, and I honor that wholeheartedly. 

Final Thoughts on EMDR Therapy in Denver, Colorado

Phase 2 of EMDR therapy is more than just preparation—it’s about developing confidence in yourself and trust in the therapeutic process. With a secure foundation, you’re ready to move forward into the next stages of EMDR with strength and knowing that you are able to handle whatever comes up in the following phases. If you’re ready to start this transformative journey, contact me to learn more about how EMDR therapy can help you heal from trauma and move forward with confidence.

If you are curious what it would be like to work with me, schedule a free consultation call here. 

You can learn more about my therapeutic approach and how sessions look with me, here! 

If you are looking for accelerated healing, check out my EMDR intensive here.