One of the most common things I hear from newly trained EMDR therapists is: “I feel robotic.”
There can be such a shift from feeling grounded and natural in your usual therapy style to suddenly feeling highly self-conscious and overly focused on “getting the steps right”. Many therapists describe feeling clunky, scripted, or unlike themselves when they first start using EMDR therapy.
This makes a lot of sense.
You’re learning a structured approach, remembering the sequence, checking the wording and paying attention to the person sitting in front of you. That can take up quite a lot of thinking space.
Am I doing this correctly?
Did I miss something?
What do I say next?
If EMDR doesn’t feel entirely natural yet, that feeling alone doesn’t tell you whether you’re doing it well or badly. It may simply tell you that you’re still learning.
Why EMDR can feel so scripted at first
EMDR is often taught in a very structured, step-by-step way because there’s a lot to learn. The therapy has eight phases, each with a purpose. Learning the model involves understanding those purposes as well as becoming familiar with the procedures.
In those early stages, it’s understandable to rely on scripts, notes, cheat sheets, or mentally rehearsing what comes next.
At times, it can feel like your attention is split between trying to stay present with the client whilst simultaneously monitoring yourself. You might be listening to their response and already searching for the next question.
Think about learning to drive. Initially, every movement requires conscious thought. Checking the mirrors, indicating, changing gears. Over time, the process becomes more familiar.
It’s a useful way to think about learning EMDR, too. Familiarity can develop through practice, reflection and support. There isn’t a deadline by which you’re supposed to feel completely at ease.
Scripts can be scaffolding
I often encourage therapists to think of EMDR scripts as scaffolding rather than a straitjacket.
Having the words nearby gives you one less thing to hold in your head, especially on the days when your brain seems to have misplaced the training altogether.
You can keep your script beside you while you become more familiar with the model. Putting it away doesn’t need to become a test of whether you’re a “proper” EMDR therapist.
A useful question is whether the script is helping you stay connected to the work. Does it give you enough support to listen? Or are you becoming so focused on reading ahead that it’s harder to notice the person in front of you?
If it’s the latter, that’s something to explore. You may need more familiarity with a particular procedure, a clearer understanding of its purpose, or an opportunity to practice it with support.
You don’t have to resolve every uncertainty in the middle of a session.
Bringing your therapist voice into the structure
As the model becomes more familiar, there’s room to think about how you bring yourself into the work.
Your warmth, pacing and attention to the client still matter. So does the way you listen. Finding your therapist voice might be less about searching for new words and more about allowing those familiar qualities to be present again.
That doesn’t mean making every part of EMDR sound like an ordinary conversation.
Finding your voice involves understanding the purpose of the protocol’s questions and procedures, preserving their meaning, and recognising where conversational language is appropriate. A small wording change can sometimes change what you’re asking.
There’s a difference between explaining the process in language that feels natural to you and altering a protocol question because it sounds awkward.
If you’re unsure about a change in wording, that’s a useful question to bring to consultation. You can look at the particular wording, what it is intended to do, and whether the change preserves that purpose.
The same applies to pacing and humour. Having your own style doesn’t mean that every familiar part of your usual therapy approach belongs in every moment of EMDR. It means thinking carefully about what fits the client, the phase and the work you’re doing.
Getting curious about the awkward parts
It can help to become more specific about what “robotic” means for you.
Is it the wording of a particular question? The effort of remembering the sequence? The feeling that you’re watching yourself work rather than fully listening?
These are different experiences, and they may call for different kinds of support.
You might reflect on:
Which parts feel awkward because they’re still unfamiliar?
Are there questions or procedures I can remember, but don’t yet fully understand?
Am I so focused on remembering the next step that I’m finding it harder to listen?
Where am I unsure whether conversational wording would preserve the meaning?
What would help me stay grounded in both the protocol and the therapeutic relationship?
You can keep your script beside you while you work through these questions.
Taking the question to consultation
“I feel robotic” is a useful starting point for consultation. You can make it more useful by identifying the part of the work where that feeling shows up.
For example, you might want to explore a question that consistently feels awkward, clarify the purpose of a procedure, or think about how to remain attentive while using your notes.
Consultation gives you somewhere to bring the uncertainty, rather than turning it into a private test of whether you’re good enough.
If you’re looking for support with these questions, you can explore EMDR consultation options and check which format suits your stage of learning.
Becoming more comfortable takes practice
You don’t need to sound perfectly polished while you’re learning.
What matters is continuing to develop your understanding, noticing where you need support, and practising with care. Confidence and competence don’t always arrive at the same time, so it helps to make room for reflection and feedback alongside experience.
Your therapist voice can develop within the structure of EMDR. You can bring your warmth, attention and curiosity into the work while continuing to use the supports you need.
Becoming more comfortable with EMDR doesn’t need to become another deadline.
Helpful Resources for new EMDR Therapists
Explore EMDR consultation options→ https://www.carolineburrows.com.au/emdr-consultation
Previously completed EMDR Basic Training and looking to revisit the model? Explore the EMDR Therapy Refresher on-demand webinar." EMDR Therapy Refresher → https://www.carolineburrows.com.au/emdr-therapy-refresher-a
📘 EMDRAA Accreditation Pathways – Understand how consultation supports your pathway to full membership.
🎧 Notice That Podcast – A supportive resource for EMDR clinicians.
💻 On-Demand Webinars – Watch my advanced EMDR topics at your pace.
PS: If you’ve recently completed Part 1 or Part 2 and feel unsure about how to get started, you’re not alone. You can check out my upcoming group consultation sessions, or get in touch to book a 1:1 consultation. It would be lovely to support you as you take your next steps.
I'm Caroline Burrows, an Accredited EMDR Trainer and Consultant. I’m passionate about bridging the gap between EMDR training and clinical practice. If you're looking to learn EMDR therapy for the first time, enhance your EMDR skills, or navigate challenges in your EMDR clinical work, I offer training workshops, on-demand webinars, and consultation. I would love to support your EMDR learning journey.
