Starting EMDR therapy can bring up many questions, especially if you’ve never experienced trauma-focused therapy before or if you’re considering EMDR via Telehealth.
All first EMDR sessions at Holding Space are conducted with careful attention to your emotional and nervous system needs.
A common concern about EMDR is the fear that you’ll be asked to immediately revisit painful memories.
Your first EMDR session is not about trauma processing.
Instead, it focuses on:
You are always in control of the pace.
If you’d like to understand EMDR more broadly first: What Is EMDR?
For many people, the first few sessions involve preparation and stabilisation rather than active EMDR processing.
You can read more about how EMDR is practised at Holding Space here: EMDR with Us
We begin by grounding the session.
This might include:
You can read more about online EMDR here: Online EMDR Therapy
Together, we gently explore:
You don’t need a perfect story. We follow what feels most important to you.
Rather than focusing only on symptoms, we look at how your system has learned to survive.
This may include:
These are not problems to remove. They’re adaptive responses we work with, not against. This parts-informed approach is explained more here: EMDR With Us
If it feels right, we may begin gentle preparation work, such as:
This is not exposure. It’s about helping your system learn that safety is possible.
EMDR works best when your nervous system trusts the process.
We pay specific attention to online safety and comfort, including:
If you ever feel unsure or overwhelmed, we pause. You’re not alone in the process.
“What if I get overwhelmed?”
We work preventatively. Safety and regulation come first.
“Do I have to talk about trauma?”
No. You choose what to share and when.
“Can EMDR really work online?”
Yes. Research supports online EMDR when delivered thoughtfully, and many clients prefer the comfort of their own space. You may also find this helpful: Is EMDR Effective?
“What if I’m not ready?”
Readiness is something we build together. You may also find this helpful: Is EMDR Right for Me?
At the end of the session, we usually:
There is no pressure to commit beyond what feels right.
If you’re looking for EMDR therapy that is:
You’re warmly welcome here.
Address: Suite 3, 6 Geils Court, Deakin, ACT 2600
Email: support@hscps.au
Phone: 02 5115 1159
Fax: 02 6188 7368
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Face-to-face (Thur): 2 months' wait
Telehealth (Mon, Wed, Thur): 1-2 weeks' wait