How to work with blocking beliefs in EMDR Therapy
- Samantha Sarty
- Aug 6
- 2 min read
Yesterday while waiting for Microsoft Word and Excel to reinstall on my computer, I found myself thinking about another kind of pause EMDR therapists have to navigate: blocking beliefs.
If you’ve ever hit a wall during processing, you know how tricky these can be. Let’s break down what blocking beliefs are, how we can reframe them, and how to navigate them effectively with our clients.
What is a Blocking Belief?
A blocking belief is exactly what it sounds like: a core belief held by the client that appears to stall or block processing. You might encounter these during Phase 4 (Desensitization) or even earlier during Phase 2 (Preparation).
When a blocking belief shows up, it’s easy to feel like you’ve hit a dead end. But as trauma therapists, we can choose to view these moments differently.
Redefining the "Wall": A Construction Stop Sign
Instead of viewing a blocking belief as an insurmountable wall, try picturing it as a construction stop sign.
When a stop sign pops up, it isn’t telling us to abandon the journey entirely; it’s an opportunity to slow down, pause, and get curious rather than blowing past the obstacle. By collaborating with our clients, we can safely turn that sign to “SLOW.” This allows us to keep moving forward together without getting stuck or overwhelmed.
Here are a few ways to approach a blocking belief when it arises:
Check In with Yourself: Take a moment to check your own countertransference. Are you feeling anxious to push forward? Are you feeling stuck alongside the client?
Get Grounded: Draw on your own Self-Energy (from Internal Family Systems / IFS) to stay calm, curious, and compassionate. This creates a safe container to hold space for the client's healing.
Decide: Main Quest or Side Quest? In my consultation groups, I often use gaming terminology to talk about treatment flow. Your Main Quest is your primary EMDR target or overall treatment plan. When a blocking belief arises, it might be time to take a brief Side Quest—such as doing focused parts work in Phase 2—before returning to the main path.
Ready to Deepen Your Practice?
Navigating when to stick to the main quest versus when to take a side quest takes practice, but you don't have to figure it out alone!
I’m hosting a two-hour deep dive workshop focused specifically on this topic:
Topic: Side Quests, Blocking Beliefs, and Treatment Planning in EMDR
When: October 2nd | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Atlantic Time
Where: Online via Zoom, Recording will be e-mailed for those who can't attend live
Fees: $100 CAD
EMDRIA CEs: I have officially submitted my application to be an EMDRIA CE provider! However, until it is approved and this workshop abstract is submitted, I cannot promise CEs. Certificates confirming attendance for your records will be provided.
Whether you're looking for practical strategies for complex cases or want to incorporate more parts work into your EMDR practice, this workshop is designed to give you actionable tools you can bring right into your next session.
Note: I also offer individual EMDR consultation for therapists looking for ongoing support. Visit followingseas.ca to learn more or get in touch!
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