How many sessions with the therapist BEFORE (s)he begins EMDR?

This depends upon the client’s ability to “self-soothe” and use a variety of emotional regulation  techniques increase the ability to manage potential disturbance. The clinician should teach the client these techniques during the preparation phase. The amount of preparation needed will vary from client to client. In the majority of instances the active processing of memories can begin after 4-5 sessions.