Understanding Phase 1 of EMDR: Laying the Foundation for Healing Trauma
When it comes to trauma therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has proven to be a powerful tool for individuals dealing with past trauma, including childhood trauma. EMDR is a structured, eight-phase approach designed to help process and integrate painful memories, reducing their emotional impact and providing a way forward toward healing. In this blog, we’ll take a close look at the first phase of EMDR: history taking and treatment planning.
What is Phase 1 of EMDR?
Phase 1, known as the history taking and treatment planning phase, is the starting point of the EMDR journey. During this phase, the therapist and client work together to build an in-depth understanding of the client's life story, particularly focusing on past experiences that may still feel stuck or cause emotional distress. The therapist and client work to identify specific adverse events, patterns of behavior or emotions, and any significant experiences that might contribute to the client's current struggles, whether related to anxiety, depression, or feeling “stuck” in life. The therapist and client will work together to outline what experiences or symptoms the client wants to work through in therapy. Safety in the relationship is also an essential part of this phase as the therapist is getting to know the client.
For people dealing with childhood trauma, this phase provides a compassionate, safe, and nonjudgmental space to share and explore memories that are creating pain or feelings of yuck. Understanding these experiences helps uncover connections between past trauma and present experiences, setting the stage for deeper healing in later EMDR phases.
Why is Phase 1 Crucial in Trauma Therapy?
Trauma therapy is about more than just alleviating symptoms—it’s about getting to the root of what’s causing distress. The history taking and treatment planning phase is essential because it helps both the therapist and the client gain insight into the underlying experiences driving current challenges. For instance, if a client is dealing with intrusive thoughts or overwhelming emotions, history-taking allows these experiences to be linked back to unresolved childhood trauma or other impactful experiences. This often feels empowering for clients as they begin to understand themselves on a deeper level.
In this initial phase, the therapist will work collaboratively with the client to identify and prioritize which memories and emotions are most distressing, giving focus to the EMDR process. By identifying these memories, the therapist can better tailor the EMDR sessions to address the client’s unique needs and trauma history.
What Does Phase 1 Look Like in an EMDR Session?
In an EMDR session, Phase 1 is typically a conversation-based process. The therapist will ask questions to understand the client’s history and current struggles. This includes questions about:
Past experiences: What events or situations from childhood or adulthood still cause distress? Are there specific memories that feel unresolved?
Current symptoms: How does past trauma impact you today? Are there specific triggers, feelings of shame, or self-doubt that arise regularly?
Family and relationship dynamics: Are there patterns in relationships that seem linked to past experiences, especially in family or intimate relationships? How were emotions talked about or addressed in your family?
Coping mechanisms: How have you managed your symptoms up to this point? Are there certain behaviors or avoidance tactics you’ve developed to protect yourself?
Phase 1 also includes a discussion about goals for therapy. A treatment plan is identified, outlining which experiences or symptoms the client wants to work through. While it’s normal for goals to evolve as therapy progresses, having a clear starting point can guide the client and therapist in tracking progress.
While it is laid out specifically here, this phase is more conversational in real life. The therapist is focused on understanding the client. This can take one session or multiple sessions (depends on the client:)).
Building Trust and Safety
A vital part of Phase 1 is establishing trust and safety between the therapist and client. Trauma therapy, particularly for those with childhood trauma, often involves discussing deeply personal and painful experiences. This process requires a foundation of trust so that the client feels comfortable and safe.
A trauma-informed therapist will ensure that the client feels safe, respected, and understood throughout the history-taking phase. This phase isn’t about rushing into intense memories but rather gently exploring them at a pace that feels manageable and right for the client. Knowing that the therapist is there as a compassionate and nonjudgmental presence can help ease anxiety and build confidence in the healing process. There is no rush in this phase, it can take however long the client needs it to.
How Phase 1 Supports Later EMDR Phases
Phase 1 plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of the later EMDR phases. By understanding a client’s unique background and experiences, the therapist can guide the client through processing traumatic memories in a way that feels safe and supportive. The therapeutic relationship is still used as one of the major components of change - so safety in the relationship is imperative.
With this groundwork, later phases of EMDR will focus on reprocessing specific memories identified during the history taking and treatment planning phase. This method allows clients to confront and process distressing events from childhood trauma or other challenging periods in their lives, reducing the intensity of these memories and helping them build the capacity to manage strong emotional responses.
Is EMDR Right for You?
If you’re struggling with trauma, whether from childhood or more recent experiences, EMDR could be a helpful approach to consider. Understanding that trauma therapy is a journey—and that each phase of EMDR has a purpose—can make the healing process feel more achievable. The history taking and treatment planning phase is the beginning of this journey, creating a path toward healing and empowerment.
Final Thoughts on Phase 1 of EMDR
Phase 1 of EMDR, the history taking and treatment planning phase, is the foundation of the entire EMDR process. It’s where the therapist and client establish a safe therapeutic relationship, understanding of the client’s history, a plan to address specific traumatic memories, and outline goals for healing. By exploring a client’s past and understanding the roots of their current challenges, this phase sets the groundwork for real, transformative change.
Healing from trauma is possible, and EMDR provides a structured, effective approach to help clients process and release the weight of past experiences. If you’re ready to start your journey toward healing childhood trauma or any other trauma, EMDR therapy can be a powerful tool.
EMDR Therapy with Brea Giancaterino in Denver, Colorado
When working with me in EMDR therapy, you’ll experience a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where we focus on building a trusting therapeutic relationship from the very start. I believe that a strong, safe connection is essential for effective healing, so we’ll go at your pace, ensuring you feel comfortable and respected throughout EMDR and the therapeutic journey. I prioritize creating a space where you can share openly, and we’ll move forward in a way that honors your unique journey. My goal is to empower you with a sense of agency as we work together toward meaningful, lasting healing.
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 therapy intensive here.
