Because EMDR therapy is so powerful, it is always necessary to start slowly. The appropriate timing of EMDR therapy varies for everyone. I always start by getting to know the client by taking a full history.

You will also learn to tolerate and manage feelings in this preparation period. And you'll learn to identify and work with any tendencies to compartmentalize or wall-off past memories.

Prior to doing memory work, you can learn to manage small bits of feelings and gradually increase your ability to tolerate feelings.

After learning to moderate feelings connected with past memories, it is easier to work with those memories in a way that is not overwhelming.

Learning this grounding skill is an essential part of the EMDR therapy preparation period.