From Awkward to Confident: Getting Started with EMDR Therapy
Starting out as a newly trained EMDR therapist can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. The structured protocol, the use of bilateral stimulation, and the shift away from traditional talk therapy might feel clunky or even awkward at first. And if you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “What if my clients think this is weird?”, you’re definitely not alone.
Introducing bilateral stimulation, in particular, can feel strange at first – many therapists feel a bit self-conscious in those early sessions. That’s completely normal. Like any new clinical skill, EMDR therapy takes time to bed in.
What I’ve found – and what many therapists come to realise – is that most clients aren’t too concerned about how a therapy works, as long as it helps. If you’ve built a strong therapeutic relationship, and you explain EMDR therapy clearly and with confidence, clients are usually open to giving it a try.
It can help to be upfront about the differences. You might say something like:
“EMDR is different from what we’ve tried together before, and it may seem a bit unusual. But it’s highly regarded, backed by evidence, and I genuinely think it could be helpful for you. If what we’ve been doing so far hasn’t fully addressed your concerns, why not give something new a try?”
EMDR Is an Integrative Model
A common hesitation I hear from newly trained EMDR therapists is the worry that they are required to let go of their existing therapeutic modalities to ‘do EMDR properly’. But that’s not the case. EMDR therapy isn’t about starting from scratch – it’s about integration.
Think of EMDR therapy as an underpinning platform. The AIP model and 8 phases of EMDR offer a structure to build from, not a box to squeeze yourself into. For example, you can draw on schema therapy in Phase 1 for case formulation, use DBT skills to resource in Phase 2, and bring in ACT or behavioural experiments in the present and future prongs. Your prior clinical experience doesn’t get left behind – in fact, it plays a key role in shaping how EMDR therapy fits your style.
Resourcing – Finding the Right Balance
Understandably, many therapists worry about getting it wrong, especially when working with complex trauma. That anxiety often shows up in Phase 2, where the aim is to help the client feel ready for reprocessing. It’s easy to get stuck in preparation mode, particularly when you’re nervous about causing harm.
But sometimes what looks like caution can actually be avoidance – for both therapist and client. It’s worth gently asking yourself: Is this hesitation about what the client needs, or is it about my own uncertainty?
Finding the right balance between readiness and over-preparation is something many therapists navigate in the early stages of using EMDR therapy. You're not alone in that.
Why EMDR Consultation Matters
This is where consultation can be so helpful. It gives you space to ask the “can I just check...” questions, to reflect, and to build your confidence. In a group, you get to hear how others are navigating similar challenges. In 1:1 sessions, there’s more room for in-depth reflection on your cases and your approach.
Either way, consultation isn’t just a requirement for completing your Basic Training or becoming a Full Member of EMDRAA – it’s a practical support that helps you move from learning the steps to finding your own rhythm with the model.
Whether you’re newly trained or coming back to EMDR therapy after a break, consultation offers the support to help you keep going – even when it feels clunky or uncertain.
Helpful Resources for New EMDR Therapists
📘 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.
