What to expect at your first EMDR appointment

Your first appointment with an EMDR therapist may focus on understanding what brings you to counselling, discussing your goals and preparing for the work. It does not necessarily begin with processing a traumatic memory. EMDR includes history-taking, planning and preparation as well as memory-focused work; the pace depends on your circumstances and the clinician’s assessment. [1]

If you are interested in EMDR but unsure what to say, you can begin with a recent situation: a memory that keeps coming back, a strong reaction you do not understand, or something you find yourself avoiding. You can also say, “I would like to understand whether EMDR could fit what I am dealing with.”

A free consultation and a first therapy appointment serve different purposes

At Wellspring, a free 15-minute consultation is an introductory conversation about fit and practical questions. You can ask about the counsellor’s EMDR training, their experience with your concern, their approach and appointment options. It is separate from a paid counselling or EMDR appointment.

Before booking a paid appointment, confirm the service, session length, fee and format with your chosen clinician. Review the current fees and policies. If you plan to use benefits, ask your insurer about eligibility for the particular service and clinician’s designation.

What might you discuss when you begin?

The early work can include your current difficulties, relevant history, what you hope will change and how you manage distress. The therapist explains EMDR and considers whether it fits your needs. Preparation may involve ways to manage difficult feelings before memory processing begins. These are parts of EMDR treatment rather than a test you must pass before deserving help. [1]

Useful questions include: “What do you need to understand about me before recommending a plan?” and “What would tell us that we should spend more time preparing?” Ask the therapist to explain unfamiliar terms. You can discuss what feels manageable to share and what you feel apprehensive about.

Will you have to describe everything that happened?

Detailed retelling is not usually required in EMDR, although memory-focused work involves bringing aspects of the experience to mind. The VA’s National Center for PTSD distinguishes thinking about a traumatic experience during treatment from recounting all its details aloud. [2]

Tell the counsellor if you are worried about being asked for detail, going too quickly or becoming overwhelmed. Ask how they handle those concerns. An introductory enquiry does not need to contain your full history.

How does later memory-focused work differ?

EMDR has eight phases across treatment; they are not eight tasks that must all happen in the first appointment. Later work can involve attending to a selected memory, related thoughts, emotions and body sensations while following guided eye movements or another form of alternating stimulation. The therapist checks what you notice as the work proceeds. [1]

Ask how the clinician will help you communicate discomfort or request a pause. Ask what they do if the work feels too intense, how appointments are brought to a close and how progress is reviewed. EMDR is more than following a moving object on a screen.

What if difficult feelings come up?

Focusing on distressing memories or beliefs can feel uncomfortable. A description of EMDR should make room for this possibility rather than promise that every appointment will feel calm or immediately relieving. [2]

Before beginning, ask about possible difficulties, support between appointments and what to do if you feel unsettled afterwards. EMDR Canada highlights preparation, informed discussion and available support when considering the work. [3] Ask your own clinician for a plan suited to you, including how to contact them and what their response arrangements are.

How can you prepare for the first conversation?

You do not need a polished account. If it helps, make a short note of:

• One or two situations you would like help with.
• What you hope might be different in everyday life.
• What has helped or felt unhelpful in previous counselling.
• Questions about the approach, pace, cost or appointment format.

For a video appointment, ask what setup the clinician requires, how you will protect privacy and what the plan is if the connection drops. Tell them where you will be attending from. If arranging an appointment around work or caregiving is difficult, ask about session length and scheduling before committing.

Questions that help you choose an EMDR therapist

Registration, EMDR training, relevant experience and how you feel speaking with the person are useful areas to explore. EMDRIA’s client question guide also encourages discussion of costs, the experience of a session and how treatment fits the concern. [4]

• What EMDR training have you completed, and what does any certification you list mean?
• How would you assess whether this approach fits my concern?
• What might our first few appointments involve?
• How would we decide on goals, pace and whether to continue?
• What are the fee, session length and available formats?

You can compare more than one clinician. A useful consultation should leave you clearer about the next step and able to ask further questions.

Sources and further reading

1. EMDR International Association: Experiencing EMDR Therapy.
2. VA National Center for PTSD: EMDR for PTSD. Last updated September 25, 2026. This resource concerns PTSD treatment and does not establish suitability for every presenting concern.
3. EMDR Canada: Before You Begin.
4. EMDRIA: Questions to Ask Your EMDR Therapist (PDF).

This article provides general information. Your clinician can discuss assessment, suitability and a plan for your circumstances.