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What Happens in an EMDR Session?

What Happens in an EMDR Session?

By Gilan Merwanji, LCSW | GK Preserve Group

If you’ve heard of EMDR—Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing—but aren’t exactly sure what it looks like in practice, you’re not alone. Many of the people I work with come in navigating trauma, anxiety, or relationship stress, and they’re looking for something that goes deeper than just talking. EMDR offers a way to do that, in a way that is both structured and flexible, guided and empowering.

So, what actually happens in an EMDR session?

It’s Not Just About Eye Movements

EMDR is an eight-phase model, and our work doesn’t jump straight into trauma processing. We start by building a foundation—getting to know each other, understanding what you want from therapy, and making sure you have the tools to stay grounded and supported throughout. Your safety, comfort, and pace guide everything.

When we do move into the reprocessing phase, I’ll gently guide you to focus on a memory, sensation, or image while using bilateral stimulation—most often through eye movements or tapping. This process helps your brain reprocess material that may have felt “stuck,” in a way that’s similar to how memories are naturally integrated during REM sleep.

This isn’t about reliving trauma. It’s about releasing what no longer serves you.

EMDR Sessions Are Often Longer—For a Reason

While traditional therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes, EMDR sessions at GK Preserve may run up to 75 minutes. That’s intentional. The work can be deep, and we need enough time to:

  • Move through a full cycle of processing
  • Re-ground before closing
  • Ensure that you leave the session feeling stable and supported

You’ll never be rushed. This is your space, and we’ll always move at your pace.

EMDR Helps You Reclaim, Not Redefine

EMDR doesn’t change who you are—it helps you reconnect with the parts of yourself that may have been buried under stress, trauma, or self-protection. Clients often describe “feeling lighter”, “weird but calming”, “more present”, and “more in control” after EMDR sessions. For some, it’s the first time in a long time they feel relief that actually lasts.

At its core, EMDR is about healing through connection: to your body, your memory, your resilience, and your therapist. It’s not about fixing you—it’s about helping you feel whole again, in your own way, on your own terms.

Wondering if EMDR Might Be Right for You? Let’s talk. I offer a free 30-minute consult where we can explore what healing could look like for you — no pressure, just space to connect.

Healing with Safety, Compassion, and Intention

Trauma can leave lasting imprints — in the body, mind, and relationships. Whether from a single event, ongoing stress, or intergenerational wounds, therapy offers a safe and structured space to process what happened without reliving it.

How We Work

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Reprocesses painful memories so they lose emotional intensity.
  • Culturally Grounded Trauma Work: Integrates awareness of identity, culture, and history to honor resilience, not just pain.
  • Somatic and Mind-Body Approaches: Help the body release stored stress and restore calm.

What You’ll Gain

  • Relief from intrusive thoughts, guilt, and emotional triggers.
  • A calmer nervous system and stronger sense of grounding.
  • Tools to rebuild trust, self-worth, and connection.
  • Freedom to move forward without fear or shame.

Building Connection, Understanding, and Trust

Relationships can bring both deep fulfillment and deep frustration. Whether you’re coming in alone or with a partner, therapy helps you understand the patterns beneath conflict, strengthen communication, and rebuild emotional closeness.

How We Work

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Strengthens attachment, emotional safety, and trust between partners.
  • Relational Life Therapy (RLT): Helps interrupt rigid patterns and create honest, respectful communication.
  • Culturally Responsive Therapy: Honors the impact of identity, culture, and family systems in shaping how we relate and resolve conflict.

What You’ll Gain

  • Healthier communication and conflict-resolution tools.
  • A deeper understanding of emotional needs and patterns.
  • Greater empathy and flexibility in relationships.
  • Renewed intimacy and respect built on accountability, not blame.

Rediscovering Energy, Hope, and Purpose

Depression can make everything feel heavy — getting out of bed, staying motivated, or finding meaning in things you used to love. Therapy helps you reconnect to yourself, rebuild energy, and uncover what your emotions are trying to tell you. You don’t have to go through it alone.

How We Work

  • Behavioral Activation: Restores energy and motivation through meaningful, manageable steps.
  • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Strengthens relationships and reduces isolation by rebuilding support and connection.
  • Compassion-Focused & Cognitive Approaches: Challenge self-criticism and develop a kinder, more realistic inner voice.

What You’ll Gain

  • Clarity around what’s fueling your sadness or numbness.
  • Motivation to re-engage with life and relationships.
  • Tools to manage negative thought cycles.
  • A renewed sense of self-worth and direction.

Finding Calm, Clarity, and Control

Anxiety can make life feel like a constant state of alert — even when nothing’s wrong. You may feel tense, restless, or consumed by “what-ifs.” Together, we’ll help you understand your anxiety’s roots, quiet your mind, and learn practical tools to move through life with more ease and confidence.

How We Work

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Identifies and reframes anxious thought loops that fuel worry or self-doubt.
  • ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy): Builds self-compassion and helps you act from values rather than fear.
  • Somatic Techniques & Grounding Skills: Teach your body how to relax and recover from stress.

What You’ll Gain

  • Practical tools to manage worry, rumination, and panic.
  • Better boundaries with your thoughts and emotions.
  • A calmer body and clearer mind.
  • Confidence in your ability to handle uncertainty

Finding Focus, Balance, and Confidence

If you’ve ever been told to “just try harder” or “stop getting distracted,” you know how discouraging that can feel. ADHD isn’t about laziness or lack of discipline — it’s about how your brain processes information, emotion, and motivation. Whether you were recently diagnosed or have always felt “a bit all over the place,” therapy can help you understand yourself, build systems that work for you, and feel more in control of your time and energy.

At GK Preserve Group LLC, we work with adults and young professionals who are thoughtful, capable, and driven — yet often overwhelmed by racing thoughts, unfinished tasks, and burnout. You might find it hard to prioritize, manage emotions, or sustain focus, even when you care deeply about your goals. Together, we’ll turn insight into action through a structured yet compassionate approach.

How We Work

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to identify and change unhelpful thought patterns.
  • ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) to strengthen self acceptance and values-based focus.
  • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) to build emotional regulation and impulse control.
  • Schema Therapy to address long-standing perfectionism, rejection sensitivity, or self-criticism often tied to ADHD.
  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) when trauma or chronic shame have shaped how you see yourse

What You’ll Gain

  • Tools to organize your day and calm your mind.
  • Strategies to manage overwhelm, procrastination, and emotional intensity.
  • A clearer understanding of how ADHD impacts your relationships and self-esteem.
  • A sense of pride and confidence in your unique strengths and creativity.