Designed for: Clients participating in EMDR therapy and learning about how trauma processing works.
Use this tool to: Provide psychoeducation about normal processing reactions, explain why reactions may occur between sessions, and clarify when additional support may be helpful.
About Cannon Psychology, Inc.: APA-approved sponsor providing evidence-based EMDR continuing education, treatment planning tools, and clinician resources.
About the Client Guide
This educational guide explains how EMDR therapy activates trauma-related memory networks and supports the brain’s natural ability to process and integrate difficult experiences. It describes common reactions such as emotional shifts, vivid dreams, body sensations linked to memories, or new insights emerging during therapy. The guide also explains why these reactions may continue briefly between sessions as the brain organizes and integrates information. By normalizing these experiences and providing clear guidance on when to contact a therapist, this resource helps clients approach EMDR therapy with greater understanding and confidence. This resource is intended for educational and informational purposes for licensed mental health professionals. It is not a substitute for formal EMDR training, clinical supervision, consultation, or independent clinical judgment. Clinicians are responsible for determining the appropriateness of all interventions based on each client’s individual needs and circumstances.