How Long Should You Wait Between EMDR Sessions?

Short Answer: There's no single waiting period that is right for everyone between EMDR sessions. With self-guided EMDR, it is generally reasonable to leave time between sessions and continue when you feel settled and ready to focus again. Some people wait a day, while others wait several days or longer. The goal is to choose a pace that feels manageable rather than trying to complete sessions as quickly as possible.

If you're wondering how soon you can do another EMDR session, the honest answer is that it depends more on how you feel than on a set number of days. EMDR is a process rather than a race, and giving yourself time between sessions is often just as valuable as the sessions themselves. What matters is finding a pace that feels manageable and allows you to approach each session with enough focus.

Key Takeaways

• There's no required or "correct" number of days to wait between sessions
• Some people wait a day between sessions, while others wait several days or longer
• A longer gap does not automatically mean you are falling behind
• Rushing sessions closer together doesn't necessarily speed things up
• With self-guided EMDR, you decide the pace that works for you

What Can the Time Between Sessions Look Like?

The amount of time between EMDR sessions can vary. Some people prefer to continue after a day, while others leave several days or longer between sessions depending on their schedule, energy, and how they feel after the previous session.

There is no need to follow another person's schedule. A session can involve focused mental and emotional work, so it may be helpful to give yourself time to settle before beginning another one.

Does Waiting Longer Slow Down Progress?

No. Taking more time between sessions doesn't mean you're falling behind.

EMDR isn't a treatment where progress is measured by how quickly you move from one session to the next. There isn't a deadline for processing to "finish" before you continue. You may continue noticing thoughts, emotions, memories, or new perspectives after a session. Leaving time between sessions can give you space to notice how you are feeling before deciding whether you are ready to continue.

If you're waiting longer between sessions because life is busy, or because you want time to reflect, that's a completely reasonable approach. There is no need to force sessions closer together simply because you feel that you should be moving faster.

Is There a Reason to Do Sessions Closer Together?

Some people feel ready to continue sooner, while others benefit from more time. Closely spaced EMDR sessions are also sometimes used in structured intensive treatment programs, but those programs are not the same as independently completing additional self-guided sessions.

With self-guided EMDR, there is no need to accelerate your schedule simply because you believe more sessions must produce faster progress. Choose a pace that feels manageable and follow the guidance provided within the program.

Can You Do Self-Guided EMDR Two Days in a Row?

You may choose to complete sessions on consecutive days when you feel settled, able to focus, and ready to continue. You do not need to do sessions on consecutive days to make progress, however. Waiting longer is also a reasonable option.

What This Looks Like With Self-Guided EMDR

With a self-guided program, there's no fixed schedule you're required to follow. You can space sessions a day apart, a week apart, or adjust as your life allows, without worrying that a longer gap means you're doing something wrong. One advantage of self-guided EMDR is the flexibility to work at a pace that fits your life, rather than feeling tied to a fixed appointment schedule.

The goal isn't to complete sessions as quickly as possible. It is to choose a pace that feels comfortable and sustainable for you.

Before Starting Your Next Session

A few questions can help you decide if it's the right time to continue:

• Do I feel ready to focus, or am I still settling from the last session?
• Am I waiting because I genuinely need the time, or out of worry that I'm doing this wrong?
• Would I benefit more from a bit more time before continuing?

If you're unsure, giving yourself more time before continuing may be the more comfortable choice.

Conclusion

There's no required amount of time to wait between EMDR sessions. Some people prefer shorter gaps between sessions, while others choose to leave several days or longer. A longer gap does not automatically mean that you are falling behind. What matters most is choosing a pace you can comfortably maintain over time rather than trying to move through sessions as quickly as possible.