Phase 3 of EMDR Therapy: Preparing for Reprocessing
By Brea Giancaterino, Trauma Therapist in Denver, Colorado
Healing from trauma is a journey, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy provides a structured, evidence-based approach to that process. By the time you’ve reached Phase 3 of EMDR Therapy, you’ve already laid the groundwork through Phase 1 (History Taking) and Phase 2 (Preparation and Resourcing). Now, it’s time to take the next step: assessing and preparing to reprocess the memories, beliefs, and emotions that have kept you stuck.
This phase is where we identify and measure the specific memories and negative beliefs we’ll work on in future sessions. It’s a focused and personalized step, ensuring that therapy is tailored to your unique experiences and needs.
What Happens in Phase 3 of EMDR Therapy?
Phase 3 is known as the Assessment Phase and serves as a bridge between the preparation work you’ve done and the deeper reprocessing to come. In this phase, we’ll focus on creating a roadmap for the reprocessing stages by identifying the specific elements of your experiences that are most impactful.
Here’s what this phase involves:
1. Identifying Target Memories
We start by identifying the traumatic or distressing memories that you’d like to work on in therapy. The target memories are often identified in phase 1. However, these can change as the therapy process unfolds. Therefore, we will revisit and ensure we are targeting what is most important to you. The target memories could be major events like childhood abuse, neglect, or loss, but they could also include experiences you may not think of as “traumatic,” such as being constantly criticized or feeling unsupported during difficult times. They may also be symptom focused. The memories we choose to focus on will depend entirely on your goals and what feels most important to you.
2. Unpacking Negative Beliefs
Trauma often leaves us with negative beliefs about ourselves, such as “I’m not enough,” “I’m unlovable,” or “I’m not safe.” These beliefs can shape how you view yourself, your relationships, and the world around you. In Phase 3, we’ll work to name these beliefs and understand how they connect to your past experiences.
3. Exploring Desired Positive Beliefs
Once we’ve identified the negative beliefs you’re holding, we’ll work on identifying the positive beliefs you’d like to internalize instead. For example, if you currently believe “I am unlovable,” you might work toward replacing that belief with “I am lovable.”
4. Connecting Emotions and Physical Sensations
Trauma isn’t just stored in our memories—it’s also stored in our bodies. During this phase, we’ll explore the emotions and physical sensations connected to your target memories. This might include feelings of fear, shame, or anger, as well as sensations like tightness in your chest or a knot in your stomach. Recognizing these connections helps us better understand how trauma is impacting you and guides the reprocessing work ahead. This step is important as we focus on all aspects of you as a human.
Why Is Phase 3 So Important?
The work we do in Phase 3 is essential for ensuring that EMDR therapy is safe and tailored to your specific needs. By carefully identifying and assessing the elements of your trauma, we can create a clear and focused path forward. This phase also helps maintain emotional safety, as it allows us to approach sensitive topics in a way that feels manageable for you.
Without this groundwork, reprocessing could feel overwhelming or disorganized. Phase 3 provides the structure needed to move forward confidently and effectively.
Common Misconceptions About Phase 3
Some people worry that revisiting painful memories during this phase will feel overwhelming or retraumatizing. However, it’s important to know that we won’t dive into reprocessing until you’re fully prepared. We won’t move into phase 3 without the proper foundation or completion of phase 1 and 2. During Phase 3, our focus is on gently identifying the building blocks of your trauma and developing a plan for addressing them.
Another misconception is that you need to remember every detail of your traumatic experiences to benefit from EMDR. This isn’t true. Even if you have gaps in your memory, we can work with the emotions, sensations, and fragments of memories you do have.
How I Approach Phase 3 of EMDR Therapy
I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone of effective trauma therapy. During Phase 3, I focus on creating a collaborative, supportive environment where you feel safe and empowered to explore your past. We won’t move into phase 3 if you don’t feel ready or if we are still building a trusting relationship.
Here’s how I approach this phase:
1. Collaborative Exploration
We’ll work together to identify the target memories, negative beliefs, and emotions you want to focus on. This process is entirely client-led—you’re in control of what we address and when.
2. Empathy and Validation
I understand how vulnerable it can feel to share difficult memories and beliefs. My goal is to provide a nonjudgmental, compassionate space where you feel seen, heard, and supported.
3. Tailored Pacing
Trauma work is deeply personal, and everyone’s journey is different. If certain memories feel too intense to address right now, we’ll focus on what feels manageable and build from there.
4. Trauma-Informed Care
As a trauma therapist, I bring a deep understanding of how childhood trauma, emotional neglect, and other adverse experiences impact mental health. This knowledge helps me tailor our work to your unique needs and provide insights that promote healing.
What Comes Next?
Phase 3 sets the stage for the heart of EMDR therapy: reprocessing. Once we’ve identified your target memories, negative beliefs, and associated sensations, we’ll move into Phases 4-7, where we use bilateral stimulation to help your brain reprocess these experiences and adopt healthier, more empowering beliefs.
Reprocessing can feel intense and it’s also incredibly freeing. Many clients find that it allows them to let go of pain they’ve carried for years and move forward with greater confidence, clarity, and peace.
EMDR Therapy with Brea Giancaterino in Denver, Colorado
If you’re ready to start your healing journey, I’m here to help. At BMG Therapy, I take a client-centered approach to EMDR therapy, focusing heavily on the therapeutic relationship and going at a pace that feels right for you. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where you can explore your trauma in a safe environment to achieve meaningful healing.
Whether you’re dealing with childhood trauma, emotional neglect, or other challenges, EMDR therapy can help you break free from the past and create the life you want.
Contact me today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how EMDR therapy can support your healing journey.
If you're interested in accelerated healing, check out my EMDR Therapy Intensive in Denver, Colorado.
