EMDR Therapy: Understanding Client Differences and Adaptations

Can a Client Get EMDR Wrong?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a well-established form of therapy that has helped many people work through difficult and traumatic experiences. However, can someone actually do EMDR "wrong"? The simple answer is Unlikely although many clients worry about this element. While it's important for therapists to follow the standard EMDR process or protocol, each person is different, and how they respond to EMDR therapy can vary widely.

The Role of the Therapist

When EMDR doesn’t seem to be working as expected, the issue often lies with how the therapy is being delivered and quite rarely with the client. It’s usually more about the therapist’s inexperience than anything the client is doing. EMDR is a collaborative process and sometimes the therapist needs honest feedback from the client not because they are doing it wrong but so the therapist can make minor adjustments. Another important thing to hold in mind is that just because someone doesn't respond in a textbook way, doesn’t mean they’re not engaging properly or processing. A skilled therapist should recognise that people process things in their own way and adjust their approach accordingly.

Simple Adjustments That Can Help

There are some really simple things clients can try that might make EMDR feel more accessible. here are just a few minor ones. For example, if naming emotions feels too difficult or overwhelming, it can help to describe physical sensations instead. Naming what is happening in the body can make the experience feel more grounded and manageable rather than intellectually trying to name feelings correctly.

Another useful strategy is to draw rather than visualise. Some people find it hard to picture things in their mind or keep the image still, especially when recalling painful memories. Sketching a scene or memory can provide a different way to connect with those experiences, making them easier to explore during the session.

Many of my clients feel anxious about starting the processing. Sometimes I show them how to do it by working with a positive memory for a few sets for them to gain confidence and trust themselves.

Working Together

At its heart, EMDR is a team effort. The best results happen when therapist and client work together and adapt as needed. No one should feel like they are doing it wrong just because their experience doesn’t follow a set path. If something feels difficult or unclear during therapy, it’s always okay to speak up. That kind of openness is an important part of the healing process.