In this video, Meg Young, LCSW, explains Phase 2 of EMDR, known as the preparation and stabilization phase, and why it is such an important part of your healing process. During this phase, you learn coping skills and develop tools to help you manage difficult emotions and stay within your “window of tolerance,” the range in which you can experience emotions without becoming overwhelmed or disconnected. Meg discusses techniques such as breathing, grounding, mindfulness, exercise, the butterfly hug, resource development and installation, and containment exercises. She emphasizes that you should not rush through Phase 2, because building emotional regulation and a sense of safety can help you approach trauma processing without becoming retraumatized. By widening your window of tolerance and strengthening your internal resources, you can feel more prepared, supported, and safe as you move into the next phases of EMDR.