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EMDR Phase 2: Calm Place

by Mar 7, 2025

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a highly effective approach for treating trauma and distressing life experiences. One of the foundational steps in EMDR treatment is Phase 2, the Preparation Phase, which includes developing resources like the Calm Place or Safe Place exercise as we call it. This phase ensures that you as the client have coping strategies in place before diving into more challenging trauma work. The Calm Place/Safe Place resource plays a vital role in EMDR counseling and how it supports the healing process.

What Is The Calm Place?

In EMDR therapy, the Calm Place (sometimes referred to as Safe Place) is a guided visualization exercise designed to help clients develop an internal refuge of safety and relaxation. This resource is particularly useful for individuals who struggle with distressing memories, anxiety, or emotional dysregulation.

By creating and strengthening a Calm Place, clients can anchor themselves in positive emotional states whenever they feel overwhelmed. This resource can be activated throughout EMDR treatment, particularly before, during, or after processing distressing material.

The Importance Of Developing The Calm Place

Phase 2 of EMDR therapy is focused on preparation, ensuring that the client is ready to process trauma in later phases. Without proper preparation, confronting traumatic memories can be overwhelming. The Calm Place/Safe Place resource is one of the many techniques used in this phase to enhance emotional regulation and build resilience.

Clients who engage in EMDR counseling often experience intense emotions related to past traumas. By practicing this visualization technique, they gain control over their emotional responses, making it easier to navigate difficult memories. This step lays the groundwork for successful trauma processing in subsequent phases of EMDR treatment.

How We Develop The Calm Place

During an EMDR therapy session, a therapist guides the client through the process of creating a Calm Place. This typically involves the following steps:

  1. Guided Imagery: The therapist asks the client to imagine a place where they feel completely safe, calm, and at peace. This could be a real location (e.g., a beach, a forest, or a childhood home) or an imaginary one.

  2. Sensory Engagement: The client is encouraged to engage all five senses to make the experience vivid. For example, they might visualize the colors of the sky, hear the sound of waves, feel the warmth of the sun, smell the fresh air, and taste a calming drink.

  3. Emotional Connection: The therapist helps the client associate positive emotions with this place, such as relaxation, joy, or security.

  4. Installation with Bilateral Stimulation: To reinforce the Calm Place, the therapist may use bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping. This helps solidify the connection between the place and the sense of safety.

  5. Cue Word or Gesture: The client may choose a cue word (e.g., “peace” or “calm”) or a physical gesture (e.g., placing a hand on their heart) to quickly access this feeling of safety outside of therapy sessions.

Using The Calm Place During EMDR Therapy

The Calm Place resource is not only useful in the preparation phase but also throughout EMDR counseling. It serves multiple purposes, including:

  • Reducing distress: If a client experiences overwhelming emotions during trauma processing, they can momentarily return to their Calm Place to regain composure.

  • Regulating emotions: The Calm Place helps clients practice emotional regulation skills that can be applied in everyday life.

  • Enhancing a sense of control: Trauma survivors often feel powerless; having a Calm Place gives them an internal tool to manage distress independently.

Integrating The Calm Place Into Daily Life

While the Calm Place resource is developed within EMDR therapy, clients are encouraged to use it outside of sessions. Regular practice helps reinforce the neural pathways associated with calmness and security, making it more accessible when needed.

Simple ways to integrate this resource into daily life include:

  • Practicing visualization exercises before bed to promote relaxation.

  • Using the cue word or gesture during moments of stress.

  • Combining the Calm Place exercise with mindfulness or meditation techniques.

The Calm Place/Safe Place resource is an essential component of Phase 2 in EMDR treatment, equipping clients with the emotional tools needed to navigate their healing journey. By fostering a sense of inner safety, EMDR counseling helps individuals feel empowered to process trauma with greater ease. Whether used within therapy sessions or integrated into daily life, this powerful technique offers lasting benefits for emotional well-being.

If you’re considering EMDR therapy, working with a trained professional can help you develop effective coping strategies like the Calm Place, setting the stage for successful trauma processing. With the right support, healing is possible.

First step is scheduling an intake appointment by calling 248-962-3329