What I Wish Clients Knew Before Starting EMDR

There are a handful of things clients almost always find out after starting EMDR—and honestly, it would save everyone a lot of stress if we just said them upfront.

So here they are.

1. No, you don’t have to tell me every detail

This is the fear that stops a lot of people before they even start.

You are not required to sit there and walk me through every painful moment like a play-by-play.

We’re not collecting a perfect story.

We’re working with what your brain and body are already holding onto.

2. Feeling worse doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong

I know—this is not what anyone wants to hear.

But if you’ve spent years avoiding or containing something, and it suddenly starts moving… it can feel like more before it feels like less.

That doesn’t mean we ignore it.

It means we pay attention to whether you’re activated or actually overwhelmed—those are not the same thing.

A good therapist knows the difference.

3. You are not losing control

Let’s clear this up.

You are not going to be “taken over,” hypnotized, or pushed into something you can’t handle.

You can stop. Pause. Redirect. Say “nope, not today.”

At any point.

If you don’t feel like you have that level of control, that’s a conversation to have immediately.

4. Progress is often… kind of boring

Everyone wants the dramatic breakthrough moment.

And sometimes, sure—that happens.

But more often?

Progress looks like:

• Not spiraling as hard

• Not replaying something 47 times

• Letting something go faster than you used to

It’s subtle. And it counts.

5. You don’t need to feel 100% ready

If that were the requirement, no one would ever start.

You don’t need perfect stability or total confidence.

You need enough willingness to show up and stay engaged in the process.

That’s it.

If you think you are ready to start EMDR or want better consultation for your clients, contact me and let's talk!