What is EMDR Resourcing? Preparing You for Trauma Processing
When most people think of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), they picture the trauma reprocessing part — those rapid eye movements and the emotional breakthroughs. But what happens before the deep trauma work is just as essential, especially in online EMDR therapy.
One of the most important early steps in EMDR is called resourcing, and it’s a powerful tool for building stability, emotional regulation, and safety — no matter where in the world you’re starting your therapy journey.
Let’s break down what EMDR resourcing is, why it matters, and how it works in virtual sessions with an international therapist.
What Is EMDR Resourcing?
Resourcing is part of Phase 2 of the 8-phase EMDR protocol, focused on preparing you to safely access and process traumatic memories. It involves developing internal resources — mental tools, coping strategies, and emotional anchors — that you can draw on when things feel overwhelming.
These resources are often created using guided imagery, somatic awareness, and sometimes eye movements or bilateral stimulation (BLS). The goal is to give you greater control over your nervous system and to build a foundation of trust and calm before trauma work begins.
Common EMDR Resourcing Tools:
Safe or Calm Place imagery
Nurturing or Protective Figures
Lightstream visualization
Container technique (for setting aside distressing thoughts)
Mindfulness and breathwork techniques
Tapping or BLS to strengthen positive experiences
Can EMDR Resourcing Work Online?
Absolutely. In fact, resourcing is one of the most adaptable parts of EMDR for virtual therapy. Whether you’re in the UK, Canada, Australia, South Africa, or anywhere else, you can work with a qualified EMDR therapist online to build these tools effectively.
Online platforms like Zoom or telehealth services allow your therapist to:
Guide you in visualization techniques
Provide tapping or bilateral stimulation alternatives (like self-tapping or auditory BLS)
Check in on your somatic responses
Co-create calming strategies in real-time
You don’t need to be in the same room to create powerful internal resources — your nervous system responds just as well to well-guided techniques over video.
Why Resourcing Matters — Especially for Trauma Survivors
If you’ve experienced trauma, your nervous system might be constantly on high alert. EMDR resourcing helps you relearn emotional safety — an essential step before touching on painful memories.
Without this stage, trauma processing can feel too intense or destabilizing. Think of resourcing as learning how to swim before you dive into deep water. It helps:
Reduce overwhelm during sessions
Prevent retraumatization
Create self-regulation between sessions
Build trust between you and your therapist
For international clients starting therapy in a second language or across cultures, resourcing can also help create a shared emotional language that supports deeper healing.
What You Can Expect in Online Resourcing Sessions
A typical resourcing session online might begin with grounding, followed by imagery work guided by your therapist. You may be asked to imagine a place where you feel calm and safe, or to picture someone (real or imagined) who provides comfort and support.
You and your therapist might:
Practice anchoring that calm feeling using breath or self-tapping
Strengthen the image with sensory detail (What do you hear? Feel? See?)
Introduce BLS to install the resource more deeply in your nervous system
These techniques can be practiced and repeated, so you know how to access them when needed — even outside of sessions.
Ready to Begin? Start With Resourcing
If you're searching for EMDR online therapy internationally, resourcing will likely be one of the first stages of your journey — and it's one of the most empowering.
It’s your nervous system’s introduction to healing.
When you feel emotionally resourced, you’re not just “ready” for trauma processing — you’re supported, skilled, and safer.
Looking for EMDR therapy online with international access?
I work with clients around the world using trauma-informed EMDR approaches — including personalized resourcing. Get in touch today to schedule a consultation and start your EMDR journey safely, from wherever you are.
